Patents Issued in June 3, 2003
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Patent number: 6571494Abstract: A generally flat panel of molded flexible plastics material has an upper portion adapted to be attached by a male stud to an animal's ear. A lower portion of the panel has a plurality of apertures arranged in a pattern of a plurality of three digital eights. Digital number elements have rearwardly projecting portions which snap-fit into the apertures for releasably retaining the elements, and the elements have a contrasting color to form a selected digital number between “0” and “9” for each digital eight. Some of the digital number elements are molded in a color contrasting wit the color of the panel and other number elements are molded with the same color as the panel.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2002Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventor: G. Alan Halderman
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Patent number: 6571495Abstract: A combination advertising/public-information sign intended for use in public areas such as railroad stations and city squares, especially for those jurisdictions that permit advertising signs only if associated with the providing of information of general public interest. The sign is light in weight and easy to assemble and disassemble. The public information and advertisements presented on the sign are in continuous motion and are readily viewable at any given time by the vast majority of the persons within sight of the device.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2000Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventor: Mihail Antonios Margaronis
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Patent number: 6571496Abstract: There is provided a visual display device that has a holding member, a cassette that can be removably inserted into and removed from the holding member and an arrangement for displaying a banner, photomural display panel or other display media. There is also provided a mechanism in the cassette for holding the banner, photomural display panel or other visual display media.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Expand International of America, Inc.Inventor: Christer Zarelius
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Patent number: 6571497Abstract: An imaging element including in order an upper image, at least one transmission and reflection device providing optical transmission of between 35% and 55%, and a lower image, wherein at least the upper and lower images are on separate supports.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2000Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Peter T. Aylward, Robert P. Bourdelais, Alphonse D. Camp
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Patent number: 6571498Abstract: A shelf-front assembly has a first extruded plastic strip containing a label holder (e.g., a channel) and a second extruded plastic strip containing a vertical retaining wall. The first strip preferably has 1) a generally horizontal portion for placement on a shelf surface and 2) a label holder at a front end of the generally horizontal portion. The second strip preferably has 1) a generally horizontal floor and 2) an upward wall extending up from the generally horizontal floor.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1999Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventor: Issac Cyrluk
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Patent number: 6571499Abstract: The invention refers to a Pistol that upon fire does not deviate from the sighting lie in vertical direction, that will be applied as a means of self-protection, as a hand-held fire weapon for sports, military and hunting fire. The Pistol has a casing and a barrel T-shape-connected situated into the grip made of heat-insulating polymer. The upper part of the casing and the front end of the barrel are connected by means of a clamp which is an integral one, provided with a trigger mounted on it, situated above the bore line of the barrel within the zone between the front and rear muzzle ends.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Revolt 2000 Ltd.Inventors: Diko Georgiev Dikov, Stephen Ivanov Peycheff
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Patent number: 6571500Abstract: A handheld training pistol specifically designed to train the user to anticipate the transition from double-action to single-action experienced when shooting most semi-automatic pistols. The training pistol includes a blocking bar (19) that prevents full forward movement of the reset mechanism, causing the training pistol to simulate a single-action trigger pull. The training pistol further includes a decocking system that allows the user to transition the training pistol back to the double-action or starting position. The training pistol is made of some type of brightly colored plastic with weighted inserts to provide a realistic training device.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventors: Terence J. Keenan, Vicki L. Keenan
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Patent number: 6571501Abstract: A pistol caliber conversion assembly having a slide assembly housing components of lightweight characteristics so as to accept and permit an interchange of a variety of caliber ammunition. The assembly includes a rail and groove arrangement for slidably mounting a slide housing onto the frame and a recoil mechanism for urging a barrel into a reset position after firing. An open lock mechanism selectively engages the slide housing with the frame and sets to an automatic open position upon ejecting of a last round from the ammunition chamber. The critical selection of high strength-to-weight ratio materials permits machining away of excess materials to reduce weight while maintaining sufficient hardness and mass to handle firing loads.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventor: Steve Jennings
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Patent number: 6571502Abstract: A revolver includes a cylinder pivotally attached within an opening of a frame. The cylinder has a plurality of firing chambers sized to receive electrically fired cartridges. Each firing chamber is indexable to a carry-up position. A firing mechanism includes a trigger to actuate the firing mechanism from a recovered position to a fired position. A hand is attached to the trigger and engages the cylinder to index the chambers to their carry-up positions during actuation of the firing mechanism. A hammer is pivotally attached to the frame. A latch mechanism is pivotally attached to the frame wherein the latch mechanism engages the hammer in a set position during actuation of the firing mechanism. When the chambers reach their carry-up positions, the latch releases the hammer from the set position to displace the firing mechanism to the fired position to fire the revolver.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Smith & Wesson Corp.Inventor: Richard Mikuta
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Patent number: 6571503Abstract: A firearm mounted illumination device whereby the device is mounted underneath the barrel of a firearm. The particular mounting point is the trigger guard of the weapon, eliminating the need to modify the weapon or to have an already existing mounting rail system. The activation switch is a compression switch located underneath the trigger guard of the fire arm so as to allow a user to activate the device without altering his or her grip on the weapon and without extensive additional training in the use of the device in conjunction with the weapon. The device also provides a dual switching mechanism, so as to allow for continuous activation of the device, and a low power indication feature.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventor: Jeffrey C. Thorpe
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Patent number: 6571504Abstract: A dual powered fiber optic sight for a gun, which can be illuminated either by ambient light or by a light source. The light source is preferably a light-emitting diode (LED). Ambient light and light from the LED are carried by a fiber optic rod to a target screen and the rod appears as a bright dot on the target screen on the front sight of the gun. An optional rear sight also receives light from the ambient light or from the light source.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventor: John T. Carlson
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Patent number: 6571505Abstract: An apparatus for holding a fish including fish grasping tongs having jaws at he distal end thereof for placement on the inside and outside of the mouth of a fish, and a hollow case for slidably receiving the fish grasping tongs, the case being adapted to force the tongs to close together as the distal end of the tongs is drawn toward the case.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2000Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventor: Russell A. Poiencot, Jr.
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Patent number: 6571506Abstract: A new and improved chemiluminescent fishing float device and method of using the device are described. The chemiluminescent fishing float is able to provide an above water chemiluminescent light source for use in visually locating where the float is floating as well as providing an underwater chemiluminescent light source for use in attracting fish towards the underwater vicinity where the float is floating. The chemiluminescent fishing float device comprises a chemiluminescent light stick that is slidably lockable into a central passageway of a bobber. The bobber also has a means for attaching onto a fishing line. Both ends of the locked in place chemiluminescent light stick protrude from the central cavity of the bobber, whereby providing the above water and the below water light source.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2002Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventor: Larry P. Hunsinger
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Patent number: 6571507Abstract: A fishing rod holder has an elongate upwardly open fishing rod receptacle with upwardly divergent opposite sides, a pair of elongate fishing rod retainers on the fishing rod receptacle, the fishing rod retainers extending side-by-side along the fishing rod receptacle and forming therewith an elongate passage for accommodating a portion of a fishing rod in a first position of the fishing rod retainers, and pivot connections at one end of the fishing rod receptacle at the opposite sides of the fishing rod receptacle and respective ends of the fishing rod retainers, the pivot connections having pivot axes which converge upwardly and inwardly of the opposite sides.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventor: David Donovan Elford
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Patent number: 6571508Abstract: A fish catching system includes a lure manipulator, a hook, and a lure secured in a first position between the lure manipulator and the hook. A fishing line passes through the lure manipulator and attaches to the hook. Pulling the fishing line through the lure manipulator moves the lure to a second position, and releasing the fishing line returns the lure to the first position. Alternatively, the fishing line attaches directly to the hook, and the lure manipulator resides on the hook. Pulling the fishing line moves the hook through the lure manipulator to place the lure in a second position, and releasing the fishing line returns the hook through the lure manipulator to place the lure in the first position.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2000Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: S&C Brinkman CorporationInventor: Stephen M. Brinkman
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Patent number: 6571509Abstract: A gravity flow, dry poison dispenser for rodents for use in homes, barns, factories, and gardens. The dispenser is a box like enclosure with a hinged lid that is filled from the top. The granular poison material flows to a storage area at the bottom as needed. The bottom of the dispenser is inclined toward the back to prevent rodents from spilling the poison in surrounding area. Rodents can access the decoyed poison in the storage area by simply inserting their heads through a hole. Spikes and side mounts are proposed for placement of flower beds and for permanent attachment to walls, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2002Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventor: Kenneth L. Frasier
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Patent number: 6571510Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system comprising a floral sleeve having a base portion and skirt portion. The sleeve comprises a shrinkable element constructed of a material shrinkable by heating or other means, wherein when the shrinkable element is caused to shrink, a constricted area is formed in the sleeve to help secure the sleeve in a position about a pot, floral grouping, or growing medium disposed therein. The sleeve may have an upper portion which can surround and protect a plant disposed in a pot and which can be detached once the protective function of the upper portion has been completed, thereby allowing the skirt portion to extend from the base portion. The sleeve may have a plurality of expansion elements in the base portion, or may lack such expansion elements.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2002Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventor: Donald E. Weder
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Patent number: 6571511Abstract: A force-responsive sensor comprises upper and lower cover layers, the upper layer being resilient and flexible and shown as transparent for ease of illustration. An electrically conductive layer carries separate individual electrically insulating spacers which separate it from two electrically conductive members. Each of these members has a plurality of spaced resilient fingers, the fingers of the two members being inter-digitated. The members are formed as films on the layer. Where the members are not supported by the spacers, they are normally held apart from the conductive layer by the resilience of the upper layer. In response to an applied force, one or more of the fingers is pressed into contact with the conductive layer to enable the production of a corresponding electrical signal. The positioning of the spacers ensures that they do not increase the overall width of the sensor. A force applied by a relatively large-area flat object is transmitted by a protruberance to one of the fingers.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2000Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Draftex Industries LimitedInventor: Reimund Plottnik
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Patent number: 6571512Abstract: A sensing edge for actuating a device to cause a closing door to stop closing upon a force being applied to the sensing edge. The door has a sensing edge surface, which includes an elongated sheath positioned adjacent to the leading edge surface of the door and is compressible upon application of an external force. Within the sheath is a cavity where a sensor is positioned which is responsive to an external force applied to the sheath. A closure is positioned proximate an end of the sheath. The closure has a channel in an outer surface which extends the width of the closure. The closure further includes a passageway therethrough extending from the cavity to the channel. At least one electrical conductor, which extends through the passageway and partially through the channel to one of the front and rear sides, is in electrical communication with the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2002Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Miller Edge, Inc.Inventors: Bearge D. Miller, Gary Leigh, Jack Klebon, Timothy Castello
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Patent number: 6571513Abstract: A sealing arrangement for movable window pane and a fixed window pane of a vehicle, in particular, for a lowerable side window pane and a fixed triangular window pane in a rear door of a passenger car, comprises a profile element, arranged between the movable window pane and the abutting fixed window pane, and a sealing profile, placed inside the profile element, for the guidance and sealing of the movable window pane. In order to reduce air turbulences caused by the profile element, the sealing profile and the profile element are constructed in such a way that the movable window pane rests on a sealing surface of the sealing profile and with the edge area of its interior surface and possibly its lateral face sealed to the sealing surface, and that the fixed window pane is attached on the exterior side of the profile element.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Meritor Automotive GmbHInventor: Klaus-Peter Maass
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Patent number: 6571514Abstract: A weather strip comprises an extruded portion and a molded portion which is integrally connected to a longitudinal end portion of the extruded portion. The extruded portion includes a sealing portion formed by extrusion molding from a sponge rubber, soft thermoplastic elastomer or sponge thermoplastic elastomer, and an attachment portion having a separable core member embedded therein and formed by co-extrusion molding from a solid rubber, low foamed rubber or thermoplastic elastomer. The molded portion comprises a sealing portion formed of a soft thermoplastic elastomer or spongy thermoplastic elastomer, and an attachment portion formed of a semi-rigid resin.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2000Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masanori Aritake
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Patent number: 6571515Abstract: A double walled vehicle door having an inside door panel and an outside door panel forming a space therebetween. The inside door panel having at least one cutout therein. A module carrier is attached to the inside door panel such that the module carrier covers and peripherally seals the at least one cutout. A dual cable window lift having guide bars each having a lower end with an associated pulley mounted thereon and an upper end with an associated pulley mounted thereon. The dual cable window lift being mounted on the module carrier such that the lower ends of the guide bars extend beyond a periphery of the module carrier and the upper ends of the guide bars are positioned within the periphery of the module carrier. The upper ends of the guide bars are mounted on a side of the inside door panel adapted to face an interior of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1999Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Sommer Allibert-Lignotock GmbHInventors: Dave Samways, Dirk Hasse, Peter Rahmstorf
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Patent number: 6571516Abstract: A locking device for a vehicle door in which a handle unit fixed to a door outer panel and a door latch unit fixed to a door inner panel are prevented from making a substantial shift in their relative positions for the sake of normal operation even under sideways minor impacts or the like. A door latch reinforcement for fixing the door latch unit is fixed to the door inner panel. Handle stations, to which threaded portions of the handle unit are fastened, are formed by being bent in a handle mount opening formed in the door outer panel. The door latch reinforcement and the handle stations are connected to each other with a handle bracket. Since the door latch unit and the handle unit are connected to each other via the handle bracket, the two units make no substantial shift in their relative positions even under sideways minor impacts or the like, thereby allowing the normal operation of the door lock device even after the minor impacts.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshinori Nakamoto, Daisuke Nakazato
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Patent number: 6571517Abstract: An animal guard with a multitude of rotatable elements that can be securely mounted on a generally vertical or horizontal structure is disclosed. The rotatable elements may be of varying shapes and are designed to provide an unsteady footing for animals attempting to cross the object to continue travel along the structure. In accordance with one embodiment, the animal guard is configured to surround a vertically-extending structure. A series of hollow rotatable elements, or “spinners”, are provided with a hole formed at opposing longitudinal ends. The spinners are bifurcated into two generally equal halves that attach together. A guard plate is mounted to surround the structure and has a series of cross arm brackets which extend through the end holes of the spinners to serve as end axles for rotation and to position the spinners around the circumference of the structure. A support means secures the location of the guard plate and spinners and couples the guard plate to the structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2002Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventors: Joseph W. Wulff, Douglas J. Wulff
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Patent number: 6571518Abstract: The present invention provides a single bore multiple anchorage in which a plurality of unit anchorages (2, 4) are contained in a single bore, the unit anchorages (2, 4) each comprising a tendon (12, 14) having a bond length bonded to the bore grout and a free length, wherein at least one of the tendons comprises a synthetic polymeric material. The ground anchorage means may be made by placing a plurality of unit anchorages in a bore, pouring grout into the bore and stressing each of the tends separately and locking the stressed tendons individually with respect to the anchor head.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventor: Anthony Donald Barley
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Patent number: 6571519Abstract: A space dividing system includes a column and a series of partition panels adapted for interconnection with the column. The column includes an internal passage, and is adapted to receive wiring from a building for supplying power to a receptacle arrangement interconnected with the column. Adjacent panels are connected to the column at spaced locations, and the receptacle arrangement is exposed between the adjacent panels. The column includes a structural skeleton to which the receptacle arrangement is mounted, and a series of covers are releasably engaged with the structural skeleton for finishing the aesthetic appearance of the column. An adjustable height mounting arrangement is interconnected with the upper end of the column for connection to a ceiling to stabilize the upper end of the column. Each panel is in the form of a frame defining an opening within which a core is received.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1998Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Krueger International, Inc.Inventors: Niels Diffrient, Timothy J. Bouche, Andrew J. Kopish
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Patent number: 6571520Abstract: As extruded from a polymeric material, such as polyvinyl chloride, a drywall-trimming strip has a central portion, which has a bullnose region and two planar regions, one at each side of the bullnose portion. Further, the drywall-trimming strip has two lateral flanges, each of which is joined unitarily to the bullnose portion by a stepped junction. The bullnose region has an exterior radius of 0.350 inch approximately. Each planar region has a width of 0.217 inch approximately, as measured in a plane normal to an axis defined by the bullnose region. Each junction has a measurement of 0.095 approximately, as measured between a plane defined by the exterior surface of the bullnose portion and a plane defined by the interior surface of the flange at such junction. Having a thickness of 0.055 inch approximately, the strip is adapted to fit along an elongate corner defined by two drywall panels, each of which has a thickness not less than 0.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Trim-Tex, Inc.Inventors: Joseph M. Koenig, Jr., Mark Budzik
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Patent number: 6571521Abstract: A wall system including at least a first brick fence segment. The first brick fence segment is formed from a plurality of bricks adhered together by mortar. The wall system further includes at least a first block column connected to the first brick fence segment. The first block column includes a plurality of blocks at least one of which is a column block. The column block has a front face, a rear face, a first end, a second end, a top and a bottom. A first recess is formed in the first end of the column block. The first recess is sized slightly larger than a width of a first brick of the first brick fence segment such that the first recess receives the first brick of the first brick fence segment. The first recess is formed by at least two opposing walls. A groove is formed in each of the two opposing walls to receive a leveling device. An isolation member formed from an elastomeric material is disposed in the first recess.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventor: Archie Ameigh
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Patent number: 6571522Abstract: The covering system includes at least one panel capable of being placed in an inclined position with respect to a horizontal. The panel incudes an inner chamber, a plurality of suction apertures through which the inner chamber communicates with a void inside of a building, and a discharge aperture disposed at a level higher than the suction apertures when the panel is installed.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2000Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventor: Fabio Perini
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Patent number: 6571523Abstract: A modular wall panel for manufacturing an exterior wall is made from a substantially flat rectangular insulating foam core having two opposite surfaces, two opposite side edges, a width defined by the opposite side edges, opposite top and bottom edges, and a length defined by the top and bottom edges. The panel also has at least one elongated longitudinal support stud and at least one elongated transverse stud, each mounted to the foam core. The first side edge of the panel has a first face extending between the opposite surfaces and the second side edge has a second face extending between the opposite surfaces. Each face defines an elongated first channel when the first face of one panel is abutted against the second face of an adjacent panel and the first channel has an elongated first cavity and an opening extending to the first surface of the panels.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventor: Brian Wayne Chambers
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Interconnection of building panels using fiber reinforced plastic composite-material connector plate
Patent number: 6571524Abstract: Cementitious building panels are connected together using a connector plate made of a composite material of carbon fibers embedded in an organic matrix. The interconnection is made by removing cementitious material to form recesses in the building panels, applying an adhesive material into the recesses prior to placing the connector plate into the recesses, and thereafter affixing the connector plate to the first-panel face and to the second-panel face in the recesses and extending across the gap between the first-panel edge and the second-panel edge.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: University of UtahInventors: Chris P. Pantelides, Lawrence D. Reaveley -
Patent number: 6571525Abstract: A system for modular construction provided by interconnectable and stackable polymeric blocks having end and side walls connected to a top wall, and exterior and interior cylinders. The exterior cylinders are matable with the interior cylinders of a connecting block, and apertures in the top wall allow for re-bar, conduit or installation of insulation. Raised ribs located adjacent to the top wall contact the connecting block to further enhance stability of the erected structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventor: J. David Coleman
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Patent number: 6571526Abstract: A positioning device for positioning a reinforcement bar within a masonry block. The positioning device includes a core with a central opening and an openable seam, a support structure having support arms connected to the core and arranged and configured for holding the positioning device in a desired position in a cavity of the masonry block. The core is arranged and configured such that a gap can be formed along the seam, the gap being configured to receive the reinforcement bar, and the core encloses the reinforcement bar within the central opening when the gap is closed.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2002Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventor: Frankie A. R. Queen
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Patent number: 6571527Abstract: An elongate structural member comprises a first chord and a second chord extending lengthwise with a web spanning a space therebetween. The web comprises at least one length of metal bar stock having zigzag bends. A first set of bends is disposed along a first margin of the web and a second set of bends is disposed along a second margin of the web. The first chord comprises at least two struts, with one on each side of the web at a respective web margin. Each strut comprises a metal channel having generally opposing walls having inwardly directed lips at their outer ends. The lips are spaced from one another to define a slot extending the length of the strut. Each strut is secured in engagement with the respective side of the web and is adapted for insertion through its slot of items to be retained in the strut.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2000Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventor: Thomas L. Rattini
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Patent number: 6571528Abstract: A connector used to attach a reinforcing element to a headed stud includes a body uniquely configured to be placed onto the stud's head. The body also includes a pair of opposed apertures such that a reinforcing element such as, for example, a length of rebar, maybe inserted through the apertures such that the connector, already disposed on the stud head, effectively “locks” the reinforcing element to the stud.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Universal Services, Inc.Inventor: Jack S. Crump, Jr.
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Patent number: 6571529Abstract: The present invention relates to a retaining wall block that is resistant to damage and wear caused by the environment it is placed into. The deterioration resistant block is generally a hollowed frame or shell of a deterioration resistant material that is lightweight and is configured to accept and retain any type of filling material. The filling material provides weight and stability to the retaining wall block and also provides weight, stability and security to a retaining wall constructed of such blocks.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2000Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: New Technology Resources, Inc.Inventors: Edward Alan Knudson, John Fitzgerald Dolan
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Patent number: 6571530Abstract: A component holder is reeled out from a storage reel and conveyed to a component-storage working position by a conveyor device. A control unit stops the conveyance of the component holder if it receives a non-storage or incomplete-storage signal. The component holder includes a multiplicity of component storages for storing the components therein are provided longitudinally and each has an opening on one surface. Each of the component storages has a shutter which becomes stable both at a projectional position and at a retreat position. The shutter is moved between the two positions by more than a certain sufficient level of urging force. The components are stored in the component storages with the shutters in the retreat positions, while the openings of the component storages are directed upward.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1999Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignees: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd, Nihon Garter Co., Ltd., Daiichi Co., Ltd.Inventors: Osamu Hikita, Susumu Kubo, Kazunori Oshima
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Patent number: 6571531Abstract: A strap detector is used with an automatic strapping machine. The strap detector includes a strap detector mounting bracket mounted to the automatic strapping machine, and a pivot block attached to the mounting bracket. The pivot block has an aperture formed therein. A shaft is positioned in the pivot block aperture, and a finger is mounted to a free end of the shaft. A guide block is positioned along the shaft and spaced from the free end, and a sensor is operatively coupled to the detector mounting bracket proximal the guide block. The finger is engaged by sealed strapping material and, when the strapping material is properly sealed, movement of the strapping head away from the articles moves the guide block into a position to change a state of the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.Inventor: Calvin E. Kasel
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Patent number: 6571532Abstract: A continuous motion apparatus for depacking and packing articles in cases which includes a carriage which carries a plurality of transfer arms; a plurality of article pick-up heads carried by the transfer arms for picking up a group of the articles at a pick-up station to transfer the articles to a release station. In a case packing configuration of the invention, a slug metering section includes a slug feeder continuously receiving articles from an infeed conveyor. A revolving pin bar mechanism is carried in the slug metering section having a plurality of revolving pin bar assemblies to assist in forming the articles into successive groups or slugs of articles. The pin bar assemblies include spaced upstanding pins which are received in crevices between rear articles in a first slug and front articles in a second slug of articles to separate the articles for processing.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1999Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Hartness International, Inc.Inventors: Richard M. Wiernicki, David Nelson Cooley, Thomas Patterson Hartness
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Patent number: 6571533Abstract: A bottle handling device for assisting in inserting a number of similar sized bottles into a secondary container, such as a partitionless beer carton. The device comprises a frame which, when inserted into the empty carton, provides a number of similar sized cells or compartments equal to the number of bottles which would completely fill the carton. The frame is maintained by support means above the shoulders of the bottles when located in the carton. Each bottle is inserted into, and its main body passes through, the frame until the bottle sits on the carton floor, the walls of each cell preventing a bottle in that cell from toppling over and hindering the insertion of further bottles and completion of filling of the carton. Upon completion and filling of the carton, the device is readily removed for reuse and the bottles are maintained in their upright condition by contacting adjacent bottles and the carton walls.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Labatt Brewing Company LimitedInventors: Bradley John Mahood, Edward Stanley James Miziolek, Robert G. Dickie, Bernard Beasley
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Patent number: 6571534Abstract: A sealing apparatus includes a frame structure including a base and an actuator support extending upward from the base, a container support including a container receiver, and a heater platen suspended from the actuator support above the container support. The heater platen is shiftable between a load/unload position wherein a container can be loaded into and unloaded from within the container receiver and an associated lid can be positioned over the container, and a sealing position wherein the heater platen presses the container and the lid on the container support. The sealing apparatus also includes an actuator that includes a support structure pivotally attached to the frame and supporting the heater platen, and an L-shaped handle having a first end, second end and a pivot point located between the first end and the second end.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2000Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Oliver Products CompanyInventors: Perry R. De Young, Todd A. Sutton, Scott D. Sikkema
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Patent number: 6571535Abstract: A container-forming device comprises a container conveyor (21) having a plurality of holders (34) which each include a bottom plate (51) and side plates (52) projecting upwardly from the bottom plate for receiving the container body M1 and intermittently drivable so as to halt the holders (34) at an ear bonding station (S3) in succession, and upper ear pressing member (61) disposed above the ear bonding station (S3) and being moveable upward or downward for pressing upper ears (U1) against an upper wall of a container body (M1), and a pair of lower ear pressing members (62) arranged at opposite sides of the ear bonding station (S3) and being openable or closable for pressing lower ears (L1) against respective side walls of the container body (M1).Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Shikoku Kakoki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seiji Sato, Masafumi Fujimoto, Kiyomi Yoshida, Michio Ueda
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Patent number: 6571536Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants or comestibles. The sleeve has a closed curved bottom. The sleeve may also have an expansion element such as a gusset, pleats, random folds or elastic material for enabling the lower portion of the sleeve to conform to the outer and bottom surfaces of the pot to provide a decorative cover about the pot. The sleeve optionally has a detachable upper portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2002Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Paul Fantz
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Patent number: 6571537Abstract: A method and a device for rejecting a defective filter bag for infusion products in a manufacturing machine are disclosed. When a defect or fault in the filter bag is detected by sensors while the filter bag is being completed, the end portion of the defective filter bag is deformed out of the reach of the intermediate pick-up station by the deformer so as to prevent the defective filter bag from being picked up and transferred to the subsequent stacking station and the defective filter bag is then expelled by the expeller.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.p.A.Inventor: Dante Ghirlandi
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Patent number: 6571538Abstract: A box flap securing device for securing two opposing box flaps in a closed position wherein the box flap securing device includes a bottom member having an edge, a top member disposed a distance from the bottom member and in an overlying relationship with the bottom member, and a post interconnecting the bottom member and the top member. The post has an edge which is disposed in a coextensive relationship with at least a portion of the edge of the bottom member whereby the bottom member, top member and post cooperate to define a box flap receiving slot having a height at least equal to the thickness of the box flap but less than two times the thickness of the box flap.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2000Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Afton Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: James H. Luby
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Patent number: 6571539Abstract: A carton manipulating device for rotating a carton in a packaging machine, which apparatus comprises carton pick up means adapted to engage at least one carton from the infeed stream and to convey the carton through a working reach of the apparatus and wherein the pick up means is rotatable intermittently along the working reach to cause the carton to be rotated during continuous forward movement.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: The Mead CorporationInventors: Patrick Gendre, Pascal Martini, Pierre Genty
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Patent number: 6571540Abstract: Device (10) for achieving communication, via a coupling means, between a first chamber (1) and a second chamber (2). The coupling means comprises, on the same side as the first chamber (1), a first shut-off member (41), and, on the same side as the second chamber (2), a second shut-off member (4) comprising a second flange (52) forming a seat for a second removable shutter element (72). The coupling means further comprises means of sealed connection between two flanges (51) and (52). The second chamber (2) being defined by the inside of a flexible and sealed bag (15), the border of the mouth of which is connected in a sealed way to the second flange (52). When the coupling, means is in an uncoupled position, the flexible bag (15) comprises a band (15d) extending the bag (15) continuously beyond the second flange (52), defining a closed (15f) and sealed, but openable envelope (12) for protecting the second shut-off member (42).Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2000Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Becton Dickinson France S.A.Inventors: Claude Imbert, Jean-Yves Porret
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Patent number: 6571541Abstract: A billet strap for use with a Western saddle includes a portion of stretch material in the construction of the billet strap. The stretch material allows the billet strap to adjust and fine tune the tension of a cinch when the billet strap is used to connect the cinch to the Western saddle, thus increasing the comfort of the horse. In one exemplary embodiment, the billet strap is comprised of a portion of nonstretching material joined in series with a portion of stretching material. The billet strap may include a protective sleeve. The protective sleeve may cover all or only a portion of the billet strap. In other embodiments of the invention, the billet strap is comprised of multiple portions of material (e.g., three nonstretching portions joined together by two stretching portions). In yet another embodiment, the billet strap is comprised entirely of a stretching material.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2000Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Cashel Farms, L.L.C.Inventor: Daniel A. Rees
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Patent number: 6571542Abstract: An all-electric riding greens mower includes a frame which is supported for movement upon a plurality of ground engaging wheels and upon which are supported a modularly interchangeable power source and a plurality of reel lawn mowers. An electric motor provides driving torque to enable movement of the mower between and over golf course greens or other surfaces to be mowed, electric motors provide driving torque for each of the reel lawn mowers. The interchangeable power source provides electrical energy for driving the electric motors, including the primary mover and the electrical motors for the reel type lawn mowers. The modularly interchangeable power sources may comprise a bank of batteries, a motor/generator set, a fuel cell, or a combination of these. The power source may be easily exchanged in the field for another, freshly charged power source. Exchange occurs using either a fixed change stand or a mobile change stand.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2000Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Textron Inc.Inventors: Alan R. Fillman, Anthony J. Saiia, Kirk W. Reimers
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Patent number: 6571543Abstract: An improved and more efficient means to route air and newly cut grass particles under and around circular lawn mower housings near the ends of the horizontal rotating blade permitting an improved flow of air and grass particles through the use of semicircular baffles concentric to the axis of the rotating blade and extending downward from the circular housing. Two short concentric semicircular baffles are used each of which having slanting portions extending outward and upward from the lowest edge of each baffle to the housing. This slanting portion, is a section of a cone and helps to avoid the accumulation of grass particles on the outer, upper edges of the housing. The result is the creation of a partial laminar flow near the inside surface of the housing and the distribution of the cut grass particles in a fan like pattern behind the lawn mower.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2000Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventor: John F. Nunes, Jr.