Patents Issued in May 6, 2003
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Patent number: 6557899Abstract: The releasable plug coupling is used for connecting fluid lines, particularly, fuel lines of motor vehicles. The plug coupling comprises a tubular plug-in part (3) with an annular retaining lip (4) as well as a coupling housing (1) with a cylindrical receiving space (2) for inserting the plug-in part (3) and a separate retaining element (7) with elastic retaining edges (11) that project radially into the receiving space (2) and that grip behind the retaining lip (4) after the plug-in part (3) is inserted into the receiving space (2). The retaining edges (11) are attached to support bodies (12) that are connected at their ends by elastic connecting pieces (14) that form a V to pressure plates (15). These plates extend outwards through corresponding openings (16) in the housing wall (17) and are pressed together from the outside for releasing the coupling.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: A. Raymond & CieInventors: Daniel Martin-Cocher, Erminio Moretti
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Patent number: 6557900Abstract: A locking tubing system includes a length of tubing lying in any geometric complexity including a substantially straight line and a first fitting body having a securing member rotationally locked thereto. The first fitting body is affixed to one end of the length of tubing. The system also includes a first nut having a plurality of openings in cooperative relation to engage the securing member, a second fitting body having a securing member rotationally locked thereto, the second fitting body is affixed to the other end of the length of tubing and a second nut having a plurality of openings in cooperative relation to engage the securing member. The first nut and the second nut are threaded onto corresponding mated fittings, each securing member being engaged with at least one of the openings of the respective nuts thereby locking each of the nuts to the respective fitting body.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Crane-ResistoflexInventor: John Austin
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Patent number: 6557901Abstract: A device for joining two tubular elements composed of two complementary parts extending end portions of the tubular elements, the two complementary parts each including an essentially rigid substantially conical flared part extended by a semitoric flange, with the semitoric collars being capable of interlocking together.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Qualetude S.A.Inventor: Paul Garat
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Patent number: 6557902Abstract: The present invention includes an airbag arrangement which includes an airbag, a gas tube connected to the airbag, a gas generator having at least one gas outlet, and a jointed connection designed as a ball and socket joint for connecting the gas outlet with the gas tube.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1999Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Takata (Europe) Vehicle Safety Technology GmbHInventors: Heinrich Einsiedel, Oliver Glöckler, Maximilian Waimer
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Patent number: 6557903Abstract: A quick connector includes a male component in the form of a spool fixedly mounted to a fluid conduit and a female component in the form of a housing having a bore open at one end for receiving the male component therein. A latch is rotatably mountable on the spool and is movable relative to a transverse channel in the female component between a first installed position with respect to the channel and a second latched position wherein the latch engages opposed notches in the channel to latch the spool in the housing. At least one latch clip is mountable on the latch and engageable with edges of the channel in the body to resist rotation of the latch from the latched position. An optional secondary latch clip is engageable with the latch clip, the latch and the opposed side edges of the channel to further resist rotation of the latch from the latched position.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Daniel H. Walker
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Patent number: 6557904Abstract: A tube joint comprises a first tube joint member; a second tube joint member joined to the first tube joint member; a sleeve attached to a joining portion of the first and second tube joint members, for joining and releasing the first and second tube joint members; a resilient member for urging the sleeve in the direction to join the first and second tube joint members to one another; and a protecting member for protecting the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: SMC Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Keiichirou Naito
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Patent number: 6557905Abstract: A submersible well pump assembly using threaded connections, the submersible well pump assembly having a first housing, a second housing, a clamp ring, and at least one anti-rotation member. The first housing has an end having an outer surface, an end face, and a shoulder on that outer surface. The second housing has an end having an outer surface and an end face. The outer surface of the second housing has external threads formed thereon and the end face of the second housing abuts the end face of the first housing. The clamp ring is rotatably and slidably carried on the first housing and has internal threads that engage the external threads of the second housing. The clamp ring also has an internal shoulder that engages the shoulder of the first housing. To keep the connection secure, the assembly has at least one anti-rotation member having a cooperative element on each end of each housing to inhibit rotation of one housing relative to the other.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: John J. Mack, Brown L. Wilson, Donn J. Brown
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Patent number: 6557906Abstract: A threaded union highly resistant to overtorque and compression that includes a threaded member in its internal surface—called female—that joins a threaded member in its external surface—called male—. The union between the male extreme and the female is produced through the threaded surface. When the members are fully assembled, one axially oriented surface in the free extreme of one of the members—called nose—presses against a corresponding surface in the other member—called shoulder of torque. This shoulder is comprised of two surfaces, a first one coincidentally oriented to the corresponding nose of the first member, and a second one truncated and conical in shape with an angle B and with the axis of the pipe located between the first surface and the internal cylindrical surface of the female member.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Siderca S.A.I.C.Inventor: Gabriel Carcagno
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Patent number: 6557907Abstract: A one-piece medium density polyethylene connector or polymeric blend of high density with low density polyethylene with the blended characteristics of a medium density polyethylene, is described as an alternative to crosslinked polyethylene connectors for use in applications less physically demanding than those for use with crosslinked polyethylene material.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Inventor: William W. Rowley
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Patent number: 6557908Abstract: An exhaust apparatus includes a first pipe, a second pipe which includes a block, and a clamp positioned around a portion of a periphery of both the first pipe and the second pipe. The clamp is secured to the block.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Arvin Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert Walter Houtschilt, Stephen Paul Allen, Kenneth Eugene Cook, Andrew John Herold
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Patent number: 6557909Abstract: A mortise lock is provided which includes a casing having a front plate for confronting a door frame and a pair of opposed side walls, the front plate having an opening for a latch bolt. A latch bolt is movable with respect to the casing between an extended position and a retracted position by a linkage connected to a hub to receive a door handle shaft, the latch bolt is rotatable axially, and the hub is rotatably secured between the opposed side walls of the casing. A slider plate for initiating movement of the linkage is provided that is movable from a first position wherein the linkage moves the latch bolt to the retracted position to a second position wherein the linkage moves the latch bolt back to the extended position. The slider plate has a preset adjuster, adjustable through at least one access aperture in the casing.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Von Morris CorporationInventor: Eric D. Morris
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Patent number: 6557910Abstract: A rotating speed of the motor 4 is reduced at a high reduction ratio by using a reduction gear (the first and the second reduction gear), and the unlatch mechanism for conducting unlatch operation of the door lock 1 and the closer mechanism for conducting closer operation of the door lock 1 are separated from each other by the normal and the reverse rotating direction of the second reduction gear. Due to the foregoing, even in the middle of a closing operation conducted by the reverse rotation of the second reduction gear, when the closing operation is stopped and then the motor 4 is normally rotated, it is possible to switch from the stopping position of the closing operation to unlatch operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Hitoshi Amano
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Patent number: 6557911Abstract: A motor-vehicle door latch has a housing, a fork pivotal on the housing between a bolt-retaining latched position and a bolt-releasing unlatched position, and a pawl pivotal on the housing between a holding position engaging the fork and retaining it in the latched position and a freeing position allowing the fork to move into the unlatched position. A wheel rotatable about an axis has a radially directed cam surface on which rides a projection on the pawl. A drive motor can rotate the wheel and thereby engage the surface with the projection to displace the pawl into its freeing position. A spring is braced between the pawl and the housing and urges the pawl into the holding position and the projection into engagement with the surface. Furthermore the wheel has a groove having a pair of ends, one radially directed flank formed by the cam surface, and an opposite radially directed flank forming another surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Kiekert AGInventors: James Nelsen, Ramene Kongara, Veytek Marcola
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Patent number: 6557912Abstract: An apparatus for holding a door is disclosed. The apparatus includes a body member configured to be coupled to a floor. Further, the apparatus includes a locking member movably coupled to the body member, and having an end that is configured to engage the door. Further still, the apparatus includes a stop arrangement coupled to the locking member and configured to hold the locking member in a predetermined position relative to the body member. The predetermined position associating with a predefined door position, such that the holding prevents the door from moving past a predefined door position when the locking member is engaged with the door.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1999Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: International Business and Technology CorporationInventor: David Truong
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Patent number: 6557913Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock with a bent carrier plate having a flat side connected to a side section via a bend, for stiffening purposes, has a peripheral bent edge section which extends around an inlet slot for a clamp in the flat side of the carrier plate, across the bend and in the side section.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Frank Kunst
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Patent number: 6557914Abstract: A doorjamb strengthening device comprising an interior metal plate (1), a primary interior cylindrical reinforcing member (5), an aperture (11), a secondary cylindrical reinforcing member (6), an exterior metal plate (2), a primary exterior cylindrical reinforcing member (9), and a secondary exterior cylindrical connecting member (10). Interior metal plate is fastened to exterior metal plate by means of an interference fit between primary interior cylindrical reinforcing member and primary exterior cylindrical reinforcing member and secondary interior cylindrical connecting member and secondary exterior cylindrical connecting member.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Inventors: Scott Kenneth Hamilton, Michelle Scott Hamilton
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Patent number: 6557915Abstract: A doorstop having a telescoping handle and a foot mounted at a lower end of the handle. The handle of the doorstop has a length that allows a user to insert the foot under a lower edge of a door and to remove the foot from under the lower edge without requiring the user to bend over.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Duff's Door StopperInventor: Robert O. Duff
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Patent number: 6557916Abstract: An impact assembly for use with a piston-driven actuated parts gripper of the type configured to grip a workpiece, and having first and second jaw members. The impact assembly has a rigid base member coupled to the first of the jaw members. A resilient member is also provided. The resilient member is bonded to the base member and is configured to grip the workpiece and dampen impact forces created by contact between the resilient member and the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: PHD, Inc.Inventors: Steven M. Moilanen, Bruce D. McIntosh
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Patent number: 6557917Abstract: A rack is easily positioned on and fixed to the sidewalls of the open box of a pick-up truck having a truck cab, the rack incorporating a pair of raised supports and interconnected frame members each positioned above the plane of and fixed to the upper free end of one of the truck box side walls, and a shelf spanning the width of the truck box and pivotally connected to the frame members, the shelf being optionally movable between a first or lowered position, wherein it supports a load, while allowing space therebelow in the truck box for the storage of large articles, and a second or raised position, wherein it provides a barrier for protecting the truck cab from damage while allowing full access to the truck box for the transport of tall articles.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Inventor: Brian T. Colcombe
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Patent number: 6557918Abstract: A vehicle cargo area extender including a pair of sidewalls, a center wall extending between the pair of sidewalls and a lid removeably disposed relative to the pair of sidewalls and the center wall. The sidewalls, the center wall and the lid cooperate to define an enclosure having an open end. At least one of the side and center walls defines a mating surface extending along at least a portion of the upper margin thereof. In addition, the lid defines a corresponding mating surface that is adapted to cooperate with the mating surface defined on at least one of the side and center walls to removeably retain the lid relative to side and center walls.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Plastech Engineered ProductsInventors: Marc Iafrate, Robert Bastuba
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Patent number: 6557919Abstract: With respect to a rotating seat for a vehicle, for example, for the elderly or the handicapped, the known art requires two operations of moving a seat body forward and rotating it to a door opening, and is thus poor in usability. Further, if the seat is positioned to the front such that the seat can be rotated at that position, the space close to occupant's feet is sacrificed. It is, accordingly, an object of the present invention to provide a rotating vehicle seat having excellent usability without sacrificing the space close to occupant's feet. A rotating vehicle seat of the present invention includes a rotating support base 10 for rotatably supporting a seat body 2, a longitudinal support base for supporting and moving the rotating support base in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle, and a coupling arrangement means 6, 38 disposed between the seat body 2 and the longitudinal support base for coupling the rotational movement and the longitudinal movement of the seat body.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Toyota Shatai Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuo Suga, Masamitsu Iwatani, Takafumi Hijikata, Tadashi Takenoshita, Yoshiyuki Miura, Mineki Tanaka
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Patent number: 6557920Abstract: A sun visor assembly is provided that includes a foundation having first and second foundation halves and a periphery that defines at least a portion of an edge of the sun visor. A first ear portion attached to the first foundation half and a second ear portion attached to the second foundation half. The first and second ear portions are secured together during assembly to form an ear, wherein at least a portion of the ear is capable of movement relative to the foundation. In one embodiment, the foundation is folded unto itself to form the first and second foundation halves. In an alternate embodiment, the foundation includes two discrete foundation halves that are secured together during assembly of the sun visor. At least a portion of the periphery of the foundation includes a rounded edge having a substantially semi-circular cross-section.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Crotty CorporationInventors: James Jud Hobson, Jeffrey L. Beaver
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Patent number: 6557921Abstract: In a hardtop vehicle roof comprising at least two roof parts which are movable between a closed position, in which the roof covers the interior space of the vehicle and an open position, in which the roof is in storage compartment behind the interior vehicle space, the roof parts are separated from each other along a separation line extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and are fitted, when the roof is open, into the storage compartment behind the interior space in a position transverse to the longitudinal vehicle direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: CTS Fahrzeug-Dachsysteme GmbHInventors: Wojciech Wezyk, Thomas Halbweiss
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Patent number: 6557922Abstract: The present invention is a foldable top on a golf cart. The foldable top includes a top and a framework. The framework is attached to the golf cart and supports the top. The framework includes a front bottom frame, two front middle frames, two top frames, two rear middle frames, a rear bottom frame and a series of hinges. The hinges include two rotation members. Each of the rotation members includes a center hole, at least one positioning hole and a stud for attaching the rotation member to one of the frames. A center bolt is inserted into each of the center holes to rotatably connect the two rotation members of each hinge. Finally there is at least one positioning bolt inserted into at least one positioning hole of each of the rotation members to secure the two rotation members of each hinge in position.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Inventor: Edward S. Hommel
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Patent number: 6557923Abstract: In a roof storage compartment cover operating arrangement for a convertible vehicle whose roof is movable between a closed position and a storage position in a storage compartment, a hydraulic operating mechanism for operating the roof storage compartment cover and a force element for applying to the roof storage compartment cover a force in the opening direction are connected to opposite ends of a rocker whose pivoting angle is limited so that the roof storage compartment is opened to a greater degree when operated by the hydraulic operating mechanism than it is when manually opened while the hydraulic operating mechanism is inoperative.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: LTS Fahrzeug-Dachsystem GmbHInventors: Thomas Halbweiss, Alexander Bernhardt, Andreas Hasselgruber
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Patent number: 6557924Abstract: An actuating system, comprising a base part and a moving part, which can be moved by a compressively preloaded piston/cylinder assembly that comprises a cylinder and a piston rod, wherein a piston on the piston rod divides the cylinder into two working chambers, wherein the base part has an externally powered drive device that stands in operative connection with the moving part and functions in opposition to the operating force of the piston/cylinder assembly, wherein a control system monitors the motion of the moving system and detects an obstacle when a parameter representing the motion deviates from a stored parameter by a threshold limit, wherein the actuating system in the unpowered state holds the moving part with the aid of a locking device, wherein the locking device is formed by a flow connection between the working chambers of the piston/cylinder assembly and a pilot valve for controllably blocking fluid flow through the flow connection.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Stabilus GmbHInventors: Leo Lauderbach, Andreas Ritter
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Patent number: 6557925Abstract: A vehicle circuit panel is provided that includes a base member formed of an electrically insulating plastic material and a conducting plastic circuit path formed of an electrically conducting plastic material. The conducting plastic circuit path is formed unitarily with the base member, and is at least partially embedded in the base member, thereby forming a one-piece molded plastic member. Thus, the conducting plastic circuit path is formed into a desired circuit configuration within the base member. With the above construction, the conducting plastic circuit path can be formed into any circuit configuration, thereby increasing the degree of freedom of design of the arrangement of the circuit path.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiharu Odashima, Masashi Sugiyama
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Patent number: 6557926Abstract: A flexible planar structure unit is provided as load-space securing element, the unit being arranged extended in a protective position in the vicinity of the moveable rear-section arrangement in such a way that loads which are located in the load space, or at least a person who is located on a seat arrangement facing counter to the direction of travel in the load space is protected with points of attachment to the vehicle bodywork being provided for securing the planar structure unit in the extended protective position.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1999Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Werner Bacher, Manfred Deubert, Konrad Eipper, Zoltan Körmendy, Klaus Riehle, Martin Steiner
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Patent number: 6557927Abstract: A side visor fastener (1) includes a retainer (25) to be fixed to a mounting portion (11) of a frame (3), and an interconnected receiver clip element (26) and pin clip element (27) with the combination used to fasten a side visor (1) to a door frame (3). The receiver clip element (26) disposed on the rear side of the side visor (1), and a pin clip element (27) to be inserted from the front side of the side visor (1) into the receiver clip element (26) through the side visor (1) so as to engage with the receiver clip element (26). The receiver clip element (26) is hingedly connected with the retainer (25) through a shaft (29) and a bearing (30) in a swingable manner in response to the inclination of the side visor (1) with respect to the frame (3), and the receiver clip element (26) serves as a portion of the fastener (1) and extends from the retainer (25) to support the side visor (1).Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: NewFrey LLCInventor: Hideki Kanie
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Patent number: 6557928Abstract: In order to provide a wind stop device for a passenger vehicle with a roll bar, comprising surface elements of the wind stop device and a supporting device for the surface elements of the wind stop device which can be secured on the roll bar, which can be assembled in a simple manner and quickly it is suggested that the supporting device be provided with at least two holding brackets arranged in spaced relationship, wherein the holding brackets are arranged and designed such that they can be abutted on respective bar sections of the roll bar for securing the supporting device on the roll bar.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: ORIS Fahrzeugteile Hans Riehle GmbHInventors: Martin Dreher, Hermann Maeurle, Joerg Riehle, Hans Riehle
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Patent number: 6557929Abstract: An impact absorbing assembly for vehicle interiors comprises a body having tabs that are connected to the body by a bendable hinge. The body may be either secured to a structural member, a trim piece or may be formed integrally from part of a structural component making up part of the vehicle. The impact absorbing assembly may be disposed behind a covering layer. A method of making an impact absorbing assembly with sheet metal forming processes and method of absorbing impacts is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: David M. Fox, George B. Byma, Joseph J. Grajewski, Timothy R. Hubbert, Arun A. Chickmenahalli
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Patent number: 6557930Abstract: A multi-section support rail has a first section with an outer circumferential wall, a parallel inner circumferential wall and a transverse web extending longitudinally therealong, a second section hollow tubular section with an outer circumferential wall and a parallel inner circumferential wall. The outer circumferential walls are substantially identical dimensionally. The sections are joined at mating surfaces. The joined sections are pre-bent at the second section and then hydroformed to a final desired shape. The transverse web retains the extruded dimensions throughout the hydroforming process.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Charles J. Bruggemann, Sanjay Mahasukhlal Shah, Hesham Ahmed Ezzat, Michael R. Webb
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Patent number: 6557931Abstract: The invention relates to a cover device for sealing assembly recesses on roof-drip moldings of motor vehicle bodies that run in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The device consists of a cover holder (9) that can be placed in the roof-drip molding (1) in the area of the recess and a cover (8), which is mounted in such a way that it can pivot crosswise to the longitudinal direction of the roof-drip molding, for sealing the recess (5). Said cover holder (9) also has a recess (16) in its floor part (10). Mountings (17) are molded on both sides at one end of the recess (16) and have bearing journals (18) that face each other and that engage in corresponding, lateral bearing holes (19) that are provided at one end of the cover (8), in such a way that they can expand elastically. A support (20) on which the cover (8) rests in its closed position is located at the other end of the recess (16).Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: A. Raymond & CieInventors: Gunter Tremmel, Jan Regensburger, Maurizio Piria
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Patent number: 6557932Abstract: A roof assembly for a vehicle having an opening in its fixed roof has a stationary part to be fixed to the roof and a closure element supported by the stationary part. The closure element is slidably guided along guideways in the stationary part at its side edges by means of sliding shoes. The sliding shoes form part of a sliding shoe unit. The guideway comprises a flange having opposed sides, on which the sliding shoes engage. The sliding shoes of the sliding shoe units respectively engage one of the sides of the flange, and in that the sliding shoes engaging the opposed sides of the flange are so designed that they clamp the flange between them under spring pressure.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Inalfa Industries B.V.Inventor: Peter Christiaan Leonardus Johannes Manders
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Patent number: 6557933Abstract: A motor vehicle seat frame assembly has a headrest movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The frame assembly comprises a seatback frame operatively engaged with the headrest, a cable, and a rod having an extension. The seatback frame is pivotable from a use position to a lowered position, while the cable extends between the headrest and a fixed point. A tensioner is attached to the seatback frame, and is adapted to wind the cable on the extension when the seatback frame is pivoted toward the lowered position.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: John E Schambre, Marcus G Washington, Jack Soullier, Liliana Neag, Louis D DeLellis
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Patent number: 6557934Abstract: A reclining mechanism for a furniture item includes support structure adapted for attachment to the furniture item, a footrest support bar connected for longitudinal movement with respect to the support structure between extended and retracted positions and actuating structure connected with the footrest support bar. The footrest support bar includes an S-shaped section and is connected to a footrest member for supporting the legs of the seat occupant. The actuating structure moves the footrest support bar along the S-shaped section between the extended and retracted positions to closely approximate a conventional footrest portion of a reclining mechanism, while presenting a simplified construction.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: L&P Property Management CompanyInventor: Glenn N. Wiecek
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Patent number: 6557935Abstract: An anti-submarine device installed to the seat frame of an automobile for preventing a submarine phenomenon, and more particularly, an anti-submarine device capable of providing a passengers with comfort when sitting and rigidly holding the buttocks of a passenger at the front end of a seat cushion by a protruding means which protrudes the front end of the seat during a head-on collision or sudden stop.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Byung-Young Choi
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Patent number: 6557936Abstract: An integrated child's seat (10) is provided for a motor vehicle seat. The child's seat (10) is displaceable between a low and an unfolded raised position. It has a base portion (12) and a support portion (14) which are pivotably connected by front and rear parallelogram arm devices (16, 18). A diagonal strut device (40) is linearly movably guided with a guide end portion (42) along a guide device (44) provided on the support portion (14) or on the front parallelogram arm device (16). The diagonal strut device (40) is pivotably connected with its second end portion (52) to the rear parallelogram arm device (18) by a pivotal connection (58). The rear parallelogram arm device (18) has a weak crash location (38) so that in the unfolded condition of the child's seat (10) with a corresponding weight on the support portion (14), the rear parallelogram arm device (18) buckles at the weak crash location (38) and the support portion (14) dips downwardly with its rear end part.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Grammer AGInventors: Norbert Augsberger, Gerhard Gebert, Gerhard Delling, Peter Kirchner, Erwin Haller
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Patent number: 6557937Abstract: A seating apparatus for supporting a lower body region of an immobilized person for avoidance and relief of decubitus ulcers which provides regular intervals of seating pressure reduction below a predetermined seating pressure for a predetermined relief period. The seating apparatus includes a plurality of slats/cushions which may be displaced between a first support position wherein each of the slats/cushions is co-planar with a defined plane and a second displaced position wherein each of the slats/cushions is displaced a distance D from the defined plane for the predetermined relief period whereby capillary blood pressure is reduced below the predetermined seating pressure in the unsupported portion of the lower body region.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: The Research Foundation of State University of New YorkInventors: Mahendra C. Shah, Arthur A. Ezra
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Patent number: 6557938Abstract: A lumbar support device, preferably secured in a seat frame, includes a support structure attached between a pair of levers that are rotated by an actuator assembly. In one embodiment, the pair of levers are each formed from a serpentine wire, and each lever wraps around a bar that is secured to the seat frame and wraps around a side of the support structure. The actuator assembly rotates the pair of levers which move the support structure into the lumbar region and pull the support structure in tension.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: L & P Property Management CompanyInventor: Harold Dwayne Long
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Patent number: 6557939Abstract: The adjustment mechanism contains a pneumatic spring that is placed vertically in the underframe, for adjusting height, and a pneumatic spring that is linked to the seat support at one end and the back-rest at the other, for synchronized adjustment of the angle. The pivotable back-rest and the fixed seat support are coupled with each other on the main rotational axis in two hinge connections. The main rotational axis runs above and crosswise over the seat plate. The seat plate has guide cranks on its underside, the supporting arms of the seat support engaging is said guide cranks in such a way that they can slide crosswise to the main rotational axis. The front bearing pegs of the supporting arms engage in the guide cranks. The seat plate is coupled together with the inclination spring on the moving rotational axis on the back-rest. The invention also relates to a back cover with a variably positionable lumbar reinforcement insert and height-adjustable armrests.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Vitra Patente AGInventor: Egon Bräuning
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Patent number: 6557940Abstract: A chair assists rising movement so that seating and rising can be comfortably performed with safety and comfort. The chair assisting rising movement is separated into a reclining block, a mount base block, and an intermediate base block. A backrest and the intermediate base block are pivotally supported by a first link while the mount base block and the intermediate base block are pivotally supported through a second link and a third link, provided in front and rear. The first link is rotated for moving the backrest from a stationary position to a rearward inclined condition. The second link and the third link are respectively rotated to raise the intermediate base block and a seat surface of the reclining block from stationary positions to specified heights.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuo Hayashi, Kazumi Okawa, Hironobu Sakaue
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Patent number: 6557941Abstract: Three mechanical locks are part of a mechanism for adjusting and dumping a vehicle seat. A master mechanical lock attaches to the seat back. When it is unlocked, depending on the condition of the other locks, one can adjust or dump the seat. A dumping mechanical lock also attaches to the seat back through an intermediary of a slave mechanical lock. When the dumping mechanical lock is unlocked, a connection to the master mechanical lock also opens that lock to allow the seat back to dump. When one unlocks just the master mechanical lock, a connection between that lock and the slave lock unlocks the slave lock. When that lock is unlocked, one can adjust the distance of dumping mechanical lock to the seat back. Because the slave lock remains locked during dumping, the distance between the dumping mechanical lock and the seat back remains constant after dumping. A latch mechanism keeps the dumping lock unlocked until the dumping lock returns to a predetermined position.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Porter Engineered Systems, Inc.Inventors: Donald T. Heckel, Jr., Kevin N. Tribbett
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Patent number: 6557942Abstract: A combination lounger is constructed to include a rotary base with an reclining mechanism, a hassock detachably fastened to angle plates at front links of the reclining mechanism of the rotary base by tie screws, two armrest and side panel units detachably fastened to supporting lugs at two sides of the reclining mechanism of the rotary base, a seat detachably connected between the armrest and side panel units by tie screws, and a padded backrest detachably secured to inclining bars of the reclining mechanism of the rotary base by a hooked joint.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: First & Best Furniture Co., Ltd.Inventor: Lube Shieh
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Patent number: 6557943Abstract: A cable guide is provided for a movable body such as a chair having legs with casters. The cable guide guides a cable attached to the movable member away from the casters during movement of the movable member and/or horizontal rotation of a portion of the movable member.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Omron Corp.Inventor: Masahiro Ando
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Patent number: 6557944Abstract: An apparatus capable of adapting a vehicle for use in either of a dump truck mode or a spreader truck mode includes a dump body unit and a removable hopper. The dump body unit has a main frame pivotally interconnected with a dump body. The main frame attaches to the vehicle and supports the dump body. The dump body has a substantially flat bed with a lengthwise channel containing an embedded conveyor. In dump truck mode, the conveyor is covered and materials may be loaded into and dumped from the dump body. In spreader truck mode, the conveyor is uncovered and the hopper is attached to the dump body so that an aperture at the hopper's base is aligned over the conveyor. Gravity-fed materials may then be conveyed along the body to an attached spreader for dispersion.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Connor IndustriesInventor: William T. Connor
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Patent number: 6557945Abstract: A tablet cutter including a tablet supporting assembly and a tablet cutting assembly secured to the tablets supporting assembly and which includes a blade holder which is movable by the action of a cam follower on an axially extending arm of the blade holder to provide accurate and safe cutting of tablets in which the tablet cutter can accommodate a wide variety of shapes and sizes of tablets.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Pharmadesign, Inc.Inventor: Chue Lap-Fu Eric
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Patent number: 6557946Abstract: The present invention relates to a spoke nipple for bicycle wheels and similar contrivances comprising a body having a longitudinal axis in which a drill hole is disposed essentially concentrically to said longitudinal axis. A screw thread is provided extending at least over one longitudinal section of said drill hole which is provided for receiving a spoke having a corresponding thread. A quantity of glue is disposed on the spoke nipple and so structured that the glue is activated to function as an agent to secure the thread upon screwing said spoke nipple onto a spoke.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Inventors: Jager Gerrit, Maurizio d'Alberto
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Patent number: 6557947Abstract: An three-quarter floating axle drive assembly comprising an axle housing having an elongated axle tube, a rotatable axle shaft extending through the axle tube, a hub member rotatably supported on the axle tube through an anti-friction bearing assembly and drivingly connected to an outboard end of the axle shaft, and an axle shaft retainer disposed at an inboard end of the axle shaft provided for preventing an outward axial displacement thereof.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Torque-Traction Technologies, Inc.Inventor: William Gordon Hunt
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Patent number: 6557948Abstract: A braking apparatus used to brake a vehicle has a brake actuator that actuates at least one brake of the vehicle through a cable that mechanically interconnects the brake actuator to the brake pedal of the vehicle through a cable shield tube that is anchored to a first anchor point and a second anchor point. The first anchor point is separated a fixed distance from the brake actuator by a base plate, and the second attachment point is separated a fixed distance from the brake pedal by attaching the second attachment point to a firewall of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Inventor: John Greaves