Patents Issued in June 10, 2003
  • Patent number: 6574799
    Abstract: A garment made from three layers of flexible material dimensioned to surround respective joints, body parts or the complete body, except for the entire face, of a wearer. The garment alleviates or reduces pain from certain forms of arthritis, especially osteoarthritis and can delay the onset of such conditions. The garment also can prevent hypothermia and reduce adverse effects from exposure to reduced temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Archie R. Donaldson
  • Patent number: 6574800
    Abstract: The invention provides a garment including a torso portion of an extent sufficient to encircle a garment wearer's torso and arm openings provided in the torso portion. Generally vertical and cooperating front torso portion edges are included, providing a vertical front closure of the torso portion. At least one opening in the torso portion is provided. This garment opening is of an extent that is sufficient to accommodate passage of a fluidic tube and a corresponding fluidic receptacle through the opening and to accommodate positioning of at least one fluidic tube to extend from the through the garment opening. At least one fluidic receptacle support is located on an outside surface of the torso portion. The fluidic receptacle support has a receptacle support surface below a point at which a corresponding fluidic tube would be positioned to extend through a corresponding garment opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventors: Jayle G. Léger, Lois P. Jenner
  • Patent number: 6574801
    Abstract: A face mask comprising a forehead section (1), a cheek and nose section (2) and a chin section (3). Each section is provided with graphics material (4, 5, 6) thereon. An adhesive layer (7; 9) is applied to the underside of each mask section to enable it to be secured to the face of a user. The face mask is preferably provided upon a backing sheet (8, 10) which may be in the form of a ticket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventors: Scott Aidan Harens, Nicholas Noel Rowney
  • Patent number: 6574802
    Abstract: A dual single-eye swimming goggles system for swimming pool purposes comprising: a first single-eye swimming goggle and a second single-eye swimming goggle as well as a method for wearing single-eye swimming goggles on a wearer's head. Each single-eye swimming goggles having a lens frame with a lens fixed therein, and a head strap means mounted to the lens frame. Each single-eye swimming goggle can respectively be adjusted to match the periphery of a wearer's eyehole, so both eyes of a user are more comfortable during use the dual single-eye swimming goggles; and to prevent consequently the seepage of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Herman Chiang
  • Patent number: 6574803
    Abstract: A system is for flushing material, including a tank for containing flushing fluid, and a tube for transporting flushing fluid from the tank, wherein the tube is located in the tank and includes a first opening located at a low volume level and a second opening located directly adjacent to a bottom surface of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: John Idone
  • Patent number: 6574804
    Abstract: The invention concerns an inflatable grille, whereof the numerous openings are provided with open-worked netting, capable of being spaced apart and locked for rescuing in an aquatic environment someone stuck beneath the device to move onto the device and to clean the floor of a swimming pool more easily by inserting the vacuum cleaner in the netting openings which are capable of being spaced apart and locked. Said grille is associated with hoisting means adapted to the environment wherein it operates and in swimming pools with slide rails having a non-return system which blocks the device in high position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Claire-Lise Boujon
  • Patent number: 6574805
    Abstract: A collapsible sink device includes a collapsible frame movable between an extended position and a collapsed position and a sink detachably mounted on the collapsible frame. The collapsible frame includes four legs and two foldable plank assemblies each including two planks each pivotally connected with one of the legs so that the foldable plank assemblies are parallel to each other in the extended position and that the planks of each of the foldable plank assemblies overlap in the collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Jack Liu
  • Patent number: 6574806
    Abstract: An infant seat rocking device for providing a smooth rocking motion for an infant without relying on the infant's own movement of the parent sitting with the child and rocking the seat. The infant seat rocking device includes a seat. The seat support member has a base portion, an upright portion and a connection portion. The upright portion of the seat support member extends from the seat offset with respect to a center of gravity of the seat for permitting rocking of the seat. A seat moving assembly is coupled to the seat support member. The seat moving assembly includes a crank arm and a strap member that extends from a distal end portion of the crank arm. The strap member has an end opposite the crank arm coupled to the seat member whereby rotation of the crank arm pulls on the seat for providing movement of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Charles E. Maher
  • Patent number: 6574807
    Abstract: An improved furniture bed assembly primarily comprising a housing having a caster assembly, a stationary frame assembly and a bed frame assembly. Housed within and secured to the housing, the bed frame assembly has means to fold within the furniture housing. The caster assembly is a retractable wheel assembly to facilitate movement of the instant invention. To use the bed assembly, a user opens the housing, exposing the bed. The user pulls the bed assembly partially out of the furniture housing allowing the bed frame assembly to lock in place, to allow the user to safely and comfortably lay down and rest on the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Alejandro E. Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 6574808
    Abstract: An imaging table leveling system for use with a medical imaging device is provided which levels an imaging table with respect to true level. The imaging table leveling system levels an imaging table before the imaging table is floated, or while the imaging table is floating. The system includes an imaging table, an inclinometer, a processor, and actuators. The inclinometer continuously measures table angle data. When activated, the processor receives the table angle data from the inclinometer. The processor then compares the table angle data to a stored level constant. The stored level constant is a measurement of true level. The processor then commands the actuators to move the imaging table until the table angle data matches the stored level constant. The table angle data is also used to correct differences in actuator rates during tilt or roll motions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen James Brown, Jeffrey Wayne Pattee, Robert William Odell
  • Patent number: 6574809
    Abstract: A pillow supports a person's head while the person sleeps on their side and does not induce any pressure to a person's face. The pillow includes a body which has a first body portion and a second body portion extending from the first body portion. The first body portion is substantially rectangular-shaped and provides a base for the second body portion. The second body portion defines at least one recess and is positioned such that a plurality of recesses extend from the sides of the pillow towards a lower section of the second body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Gordon Rathbun
  • Patent number: 6574810
    Abstract: A seat for supporting an infant which may be configured to resemble a flower. The seat may also be used as a pet bed. The seat includes a center portion upon which the infant is seated with one or more side supports extending outwardly therefrom to substantially surround the infant. The side supports may be configured to resemble the petals of a flower (e.g., a rose, a daisy, a black-eyed susan, a sunflower, etc.) with the center portion being the center part of the flower. The seat is especially useful for an infant that cannot yet support themselves in a sitting-up position by stopping them from fully tipping over in any direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Anita J. Mangiaracina
  • Patent number: 6574811
    Abstract: A method of assembling strings of pocketed coil springs into an innerspring assembly which may be used as the core of a mattress, cushion or similar body support foundation uses a fabric material, preferably having an adhesive component, between rows of pocketed coil springs. The adhesive material serves to bond the rows of springs to each other and to position them relative to one another to prevent expansion and/or contraction of the spring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Niels S. Mossbeck
  • Patent number: 6574812
    Abstract: An infant activity device includes a base, a support member and an upper member. The support member extends from the base to the upper member to support the upper member above the base. An infant activity panel is attachable between the upper member and the base. An infant activity fastener also is attachable to the infant activity device to secure, for example, a toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Vermont Juvenile Furniture Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris D. Jakubowski, Scott S. Jakubowski, Todd M. Jakubowski
  • Patent number: 6574813
    Abstract: A pilot operated check valve is configured to be positioned inside a fluid supply tube connected between an air supply manifold and an air zone located on a support surface of abed. The pilot operated check valve includes a body having an air inlet and an air outlet connected by an air passageway. The pilot operated check valve also includes a valve member configured to move between an open position and a closed position to block air flow through the passageway. Additionally, the pilot operated check valve includes a push rod having a first end coupled to the valve member to unseat the valve member when the valve member is in its open position and a second end. The pilot operated check valve includes a diaphragm located in a chamber of the body adjacent the second end of the push rod. The pilot operated check valve further includes an inlet port configured to be coupled to the manifold to admit pressure against the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael V. Bolden, Vincent L. Babson, Daniel A. Denson
  • Patent number: 6574814
    Abstract: A mattress or bedding product is covered with a topper comprising individual tubes, each of which is filled with shredded foam/fiber material. In one embodiment, the topper has a foam layer having a number of arcuate-shaped cradles in which are placed the individual tubes. The shredded foam/fiber materials may be modified as required to provide different density and/or firmness characteristics to different portions of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: John Leslie Collard, Sidney A. Hiatt, Eddie L. Parvin
  • Patent number: 6574815
    Abstract: An attachment gusset with ruffled corners and method and machinery for manufacture provides a gusset formed of a continuous strip of material which is pleated at corners or turns in direction of the gusset to form ruffles which are attached to an adjacent layer of material. The ruffled gusset lies substantially flat against adjacent layers of material to which it is attached in a pressed state, and can be expanded to accommodate dimensional structures, such as cushioned pads. The number and spacing of pleats can be adjusted according to the radius of the corners or turns in the gusset. In a method of construction of the gusset, the pleats are formed as the material to which the gusset is attached is turned relative to the sewing point of attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Sealy Technology LLC
    Inventors: William Freeman, Robert Wagner, Gerald J. Sproesser
  • Patent number: 6574816
    Abstract: An emergency tool for automobiles includes an elongate body, a rear cap resilient and pivotally connected to a rear end of the elongate body, an upper cover closing on an open upper portion of the body, a knife device combined with a front end portion of the body for cutting a seat belt in case of emergency, and a hammer combined sidewise with an projection formed in the front end portion of the body for breaking open a window glass. Two different screwdrivers and a connect rod of a screwdriver set are deposited inside the body, possible to be taken out for use in case of an accident by opening the rear cap and the upper cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Hsiu-Man Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 6574817
    Abstract: Complex tool kit including a foldable tool assembly and another tool assembly. The foldable tool assembly includes a main body having a passage on top face and several tools one end of which is pivotally connected with one end of the main body, The tools can be folded and collectively arranged under the main body. The other tool assembly includes an elongated flat board body, a chain-disassembling mechanism disposed on the board body for disassembling/assembling a chain and a clamping mechanism disposed on the board body. The clamping mechanism defines a clamping hole adjustable in size for driving a nut. The board body of the other tool assembly is detachably fitted into the passage of the main body and connected with the foldable tool assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Shu Te Wu
  • Patent number: 6574818
    Abstract: A metal bridge includes at least two longitudinal girders connected by a plurality of transversal spacers and on which rests a platform. Each longitudinal girder is built by butt-jointing a number of prefabricated metal elements in the form of tubular hollow coffers of polygonal transversal section, each extending over a length compatible with transport and lifting devices. At least certain coffers of two neighboring girders are connected in twos by a plurality of spacers, each composed of a metal tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Societe Civile de Brevets Matiere
    Inventor: Philippe Matiere
  • Patent number: 6574819
    Abstract: Devices and methods for removing dew from grassy areas, such as golf courses. One embodiment comprises a plurality of beaded lines comprising lead weights which are disposed within an outer synthetic rope sheath. The ends of the flexible elongated member comprise means for attaching the elongated member to at least one and preferably two separate tractors. Dew is removed by connecting at least one of the aforesaid devices to at least one tractor and dragging the device across the grassy area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Ratcliffe
  • Patent number: 6574820
    Abstract: A head for a toothbrush including a neck and, first and second sets of one or more bristles each. The first and second sets are indirectly supported by the neck arid movable relative to each other such that at least one component of this relative movement causes the bristle(s) of the first set to be raised and/or lowered relative to the bristle(s) in the second set. The first and second sets of bristles both are movable relative to the neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Joseph A. DePuydt, Bernhard Boland, Michael Stopler, Thomas Fritsch
  • Patent number: 6574821
    Abstract: A two-directional scraping device (1;25) intended for a fluid carrying pipe includes at least one thin disk (6) made of polymer stiffened by reinforcing means (8) secured to the disk. The disk, including the reinforcement, is divided into petals by at least two radial slots (11) whose length is smaller than the radius of the disk, the radius of the disk being substantially greater than the inside diameter of said pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignees: Institut Francais du Petrole, FMC Europe SA
    Inventors: Fabrice Dal Maso, Bernard Dewimille, Adrien Braccolino, Lucien Montabord, Frédéric Pelletier
  • Patent number: 6574822
    Abstract: A dual brush assembly has a detail brush that is removably attached to a scrub brush. The scrub brush has a footing to which a bristle block is attached. The bristle block includes a plurality of brush bristles that form a substantially flat bristle surface and a curved bristle surface. The detail brush has a brush head with a plurality of bristles forming a smaller surface area than the curved bristle surface and forming a substantially smaller surface area than the flat bristle surface. The detail brush conformably fits into a recess in a grip of the scrub brush, and the recess has a sloped surface to receive the brush head. The detail brush also has a pressure pad that flares out to cover the brush head. In the attached position, the pressure pad substantially covers the recess and provides a ridge for detaching the detail brush from the scrub brush. In the detached position, the pressure pad provides a platform for a user's thumb or forefinger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: SBI, Incorporated
    Inventors: Scott Osiecki, Steve Sieckowski
  • Patent number: 6574823
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner brushroll having angled tuft patterns effective to increase cleanability performance of the vacuum. The brushroll comprises a spindle and at least two patterns of bristled tufts. The patterns may be helical shaped rows. The rows may define tuft pairs, wherein each tuft in a pair is equidistant from a spindle each and shares a common sweeping path. A majority of the pairs are formed by tufts that are alternatively positioned at acute and obtuse angles to the spindle axis of the brushroll. Two tufts within a pair may be positioned at supplementary angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: The Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventor: Alfred H. Stegens
  • Patent number: 6574824
    Abstract: A shielded paint roller for use in paint edging work, having paint roller sock filling and painting orientation control capability and including a thumb operated lock to maintain the roller sock in a painting position while paint is being applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventors: Harlow H. Burns, Van H. Burns, Brian D. Burns
  • Patent number: 6574825
    Abstract: The invention concerns a cleaning device for casing components of electronic devices such as laptop computers, keyboards, monitors and such which are susceptible to dust. The device has a cuboidal block (10) made of a flexible material which on its underside, which is the surface of the block intended to contact the surface being cleaned, has a large number of incisions (14) which run crossways and form flexible fins (16) which can be deflected outward toward both sides. When the device is in use the fins spread and create slits (22) to collect dust. The incisions preferentially stretch over two thirds of the height of the block and run virtually parallel to its sides, so that the fins have a rectangular cross-section. The block is preferentially made of a soft foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Manfred Boldy
  • Patent number: 6574826
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner for stationary use includes a canister with an upper housing mounted to a lower housing. Openings in the bottom plate of the upper housing are generally in registry with apertures in the top cover of the lower housing. A gasket seals the abutment between the upper and lower housing. Each of the lower housing and the upper housing are of size and weight to allow their shipment by express or package delivery services. An access port to the interior of the upper housing is located in the sidewall of the upper housing behind the coin mechanism housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Scott Turkal
  • Patent number: 6574827
    Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner according to the present invention includes a cleaner main body 16, and a suction unit 24 which is rotatably disposed at the bottom of the cleaner main body 16 and includes a suction port 23 and a rotary brush 25. The cleaner main body 16 includes a dust collecting chamber 19, and a fan chamber 18 equipped with an electric fan 17 disposed at the bottom thereof. A handle 21 having a grip portion 20 and a control circuit board 22 are installed above the dust collecting chamber 19. Components such as the handle 21 and the electric fan 17 are installed at the rear of the cleaner main body 16. With this configuration, the vacuum cleaner is prevented from falling down when it is set upright. Further, the safety in use of the vacuum cleaner will be improved. Also, the user is able to easily use the vacuum cleaner. Furthermore, it is possible to finish assembling the component parts only at the rear of the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Hashizume, Koichi Ito, Kenichiro Sunaba
  • Patent number: 6574828
    Abstract: A mobile sweeper having a wheel supported housing to be moved forward and backward over a surface to be swept of debris. A pair of parallel elongated rotary brushes are mounted in the housing for rotation and extend in the direction of their elongation transversely to the direction of normal forward movement of the housing. These rotating brushes project downwardly through a bottom opening in the housing for sweeping an underlying surface of leaves and other debris. The drive for the brushes drives the rotary brushes in counter rotation whereby debris is swept upwardly between the brushes. A vacuum shredder fan is also mounted in the housing and communicates through a vacuum chute with the bottom opening of the housing for drawing in debris swept up by the brushes and chipping, shredding or mulching and discharging the shredded debris through a discharge chute for collection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Hile
  • Patent number: 6574829
    Abstract: A leaf receptacle lid attaches to a hand-held portable lawn blower/vacuum having an inlet for drawing air and leaves into the blower/vacuum and having a hose outlet for discharging the air and leaves. The lid contains a vertical chute and an overhanging horizontal lip. The chute is adapted to hold a flexible leaf receptacle and the overhanging lip is adapted to rest upon a support. The lid also contains a hinged door having an opening connected to the frame. The lid further contains a porous conduit having an inlet adapted to removably connect to the hose outlet of the blower/vacuum and having an outlet that communicates with the opening in the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventors: Hubert W. Marcum, Stephen M. DeVore
  • Patent number: 6574830
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner accessory that is used in cleaning heat exchanger units for heating and cooling machinery, wherein the invention comprises of a wand-like body forming an interior that is continuously connected at a rear open end with a vacuum source and at a front open end has an aperture which allows the interior of the device to meet the exterior environment. The unattached front open end has at least one prong-like extension upon which a brush is movably attached and is held in close proximity to the aperture. In operation, the vacuum source is applied to the device and the brush of the device is applied to and rolled over the surface of the heat exchanger unit to be cleaned. The rolling action of the brush agitates and removes particulate matter that has settled upon and coated the surface of the heat exchanger unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Michael D Huddleston
  • Patent number: 6574831
    Abstract: A latching mechanism for an upright vacuum cleaner which allows an upright handle to be quickly and easily detached and reattached to an independently usable powerhead of the vacuum cleaner. The latching mechanism includes a pair of attachment portions formed at a lower end portion of the upright handle which cooperate with a pair of recesses formed in a housing of the powerhead. A foot actuated release lever allows the user to detach the upright handle only when the handle is in an upright orientation. The design of the attachment portions and the recess, in connection with the release lever, prevent the handle from inadvertently being installed backwards on the powerhead, as well as from being inadvertently detached from the powerhead without first depressing the release lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Murray D. Hunter, Oleksiy P. Sergyeyenko, Corey D. MacTavish, David M. Shaver, Jacob R. Prosper
  • Patent number: 6574832
    Abstract: A flexible guide for a door includes straps that are mounted in pairs along either side of a doorway. The straps for each pair are generally parallel, facing each other, and spaced apart to create a gap or channel between the two. As the door opens and closes, the straps guide the vertical movement of a door panel that travels within the channel. The straps are pulled in tension between upper and lower anchors to provide the straps with enough stiffness to effectively hold the door panel within the channel under normal operation. In some embodiments, springs are used to maintain the tension in the straps. The straps are also sufficiently pliable and resilient to allow an impact to dislodge the door panel out from within the channel without damage. The upper or lower anchor is moveable between a normally extended position and a yielded position to prevent an impact from breaking the anchor and may further be biased to the normal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: James C. Boerger, Mark G. Petri, Robert J. Harter, John K. Olthafer
  • Patent number: 6574833
    Abstract: An assist device provides a stable support for entering and exiting a vehicle through a door frame having a striker mounted on a side portion of the door frame which is engageable with a latch of a door for securing the door in a closed position. The assist device includes a retainer adapted which removably engages the striker. A support member mounted to the retainer supports at least a portion of a user's weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Theodore J. Tomaiuolo
  • Patent number: 6574834
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a new manufacturing solution for a plastic hinge which is particularly advantageous for manufacturing rigid cases, especially glasses cases, by giving it an absolutely original appearance and by using an absolutely new technique through which a snap opening and closing of the case is obtained, even with the type of plastic hinge which is applied to any type of rigid half-shells. The main characterizing feature of the present invention is to provide for the manufacturing of a single plastic element 10 to join the two half-shells (A, B) of a case, said element 10 consisting of two surfaces to be fixed to the edges of the half-shells (A, B) and joined each other longitudinally by an intermediate U-shaped surface 13 having a minimum thickness suitable for giving it the necessary flexibility, said surfaces being further hooked together by one or more springs aiming to flex said surfaces to make the half-shells (A, B) snapping in the opening or in the closing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Giorgio Fedon & Figli S.p.A.
    Inventor: Callisto Fedon
  • Patent number: 6574835
    Abstract: A hinge used to mount a door to an overhead storage cabinet is disclosed. The hinge provides a combination linear and articulated motion to provide the clearance between the door of the cabinet and the upper, outer corner of the cabinet. Further, the hinge provides a user assist on the opening of the cabinet door and a self-dampening motion on the closing of the cabinet door without the use of pneumatic cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Knoll, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Melhuish
  • Patent number: 6574836
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing additional friction on a barrel-type hinge. A friction device is provided which provides lateral force to the exterior surface of the knuckles of a barrel-type hinge. Preferably, the lateral force is adjustable. The apparatus is a simple, easy to install, adjust, and use, solution to the problem of providing additional friction to hinges that swing freely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventors: Donald Edgar Steeber, Allen Frank Steeber
  • Patent number: 6574837
    Abstract: A three point pivoting 360° articulable pinchless hinge connects two members which may pivot 360° with respect to each other. The hinge has two opposing couplers, each having a toothed semicircular portion meshed with the opposing coupler toothed semicircular portion. Each coupler is adapted to be connected to one of the members to be pivoted with respect to each other. A pin is in each coupler extending along an axis of the semicircular portion thereof. A link connects each pin to maintain the meshed engagement of the couplers through 360° of coupler pivotal rotation with respect to each other. The link has a sufficient width substantially that of the width of the coupler body as to block and prevent the meshed semicircular portions from pinching an individual's finger or object. The hinge may also have a locking mechanism or detent which locks the two members at 180° from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Versare Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Jantschek
  • Patent number: 6574838
    Abstract: A tie-down device secures an aircraft to the ground. The tie-down device includes a hook and slide member operating within the hook to secure a line. In use the line passes through an aperture within the slide member for biasing against a bottom portion of the hook when an opposing end of the line is placed under tension pulling against a top portion of the hook and is used to secure an aircraft to a ground anchor. A second embodiment includes an elongated slide member replacing the wheel. The slide member includes an aperture for receiving the line therethrough and a groove along a peripheral portion for sliding engagement with the hook. In addition, the slide member includes a release arm, accessible to a user, for pulling against the tension holding the line in frictional contact against the bottom portion of the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Larry D. Maurer
  • Patent number: 6574839
    Abstract: In a swivel snap hook having a hook body and a stopper piece, a protrusion, which is molded integrally with a front-end inside engaging face or a front-end outside engaging face of the hook body or the stopper piece, is provided so as to have a minute protruding height and be protruded toward a mating engaging face. Further, a minute portion at a tip end of the protrusion is molded integrally with the mating engaging face. Consequently, the swivel snap hook can be molded such that the front-end outside engaging face of the stopper piece is closed to the front-end inside engaging face of the hook body. Therefore, in the swivel snap hook, a length and a depth of the hook body thereof can be set as the conventional ones, while it can be molded in a state that the front-end outside engaging face of the stopper piece is kept in contact with the front-end inside engaging face of the hook body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Matoba, Ryoichiro Uehara
  • Patent number: 6574840
    Abstract: A kit of components for providing a final resting place for a deceased pet. The kit comprises a moisture sealed, burial receptacle for receiving a burial basket containing a blanket, and a plastic bag sized to receive the deceased pet positioned within the burial basket, wherein the plastic bag can be tied to effect closure of the plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Rosemary C. Doppel
  • Patent number: 6574841
    Abstract: A lid for a casket includes a cover including longitudinally spaced-apart first and second end edges, transversely spaced-apart first and second side edges, and a dome extending between the first and second side edges and between the first and second end edges, and an end cap including an end panel and a rim appended to the end panel. The end cap is coupled to the cover adjacent to the first end edge. The rim extends from the end panel to cover a portion of the cover adjacent to the first end edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Batesville Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Garry W. Vosahlik, Wilbur Schebler, Troy Acton, Richard A. Colangelo, Charles F. Winburn
  • Patent number: 6574842
    Abstract: A method for producing an ultrasound transducer having piezoelectric or electrostrictive ceramic elements (11) embedded in plastic, with reduced production costs. The ceramic elements (11) are ceramic rods (20) provided with a plastic jacket (21) of a constant thickness, and the jacketed ceramic rods (20) are organized, while standing upright, in a container (31) that is open on one side and is vibrated. The container (31), with the jacketed ceramic rods (20) is filled with a plastic, such as resin or PU. After hardening, the resulting composite body (12) is removed from the container (31), and its top side and/or underside (121, 122) is ground down until the ceramic rods (20) possess a length stipulated by the necessary transducer frequency. Electrodes contacting all or only groups of the ceramic rods (20) are subsequently mounted to the topside and underside (121, 122) of the composite body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: STN Atlas Elecktronic GmbH
    Inventors: Alex Brenner, Rainer Busch
  • Patent number: 6574843
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing and replacing a valve stem from the valve stem rim opening defined in the rim of a tubeless tire from the outside of the rim, such tool including a threaded rod for engaging the valve stem and pulling the valve stem through an inwardly tapered first tube into a second tube dimensioned to fit into the valve stem rim opening, the flange of the valve stem is gradually compressed, and after the tapered tube is removed the second tube is placed in the rim opening and the valve stem is pushed into the valve stem opening using only manual force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas J. Meadows
  • Patent number: 6574844
    Abstract: A tire balancing and changing device (10) has a pair of support surfaces (12, 14) and rotatable drums (42, 44) for contacting a vehicle's tires and wheels (50, 52) to balance and/or change the tires and wheels while on the vehicle (17). The device includes pairs of dowels (32, 34) for mounting and dismounting tires. The drums and pairs of dowels are operated by drive motors (31, 46, 48) that translate the dowels and rotate the tires and wheels. The drums include sensors (49) for balancing tires and wheels. With a vehicle positioned on the support surfaces and the weight of the vehicle removed from the tires by jacks (58, 60), the tires on the vehicle are deflated, removed, replaced and reinflated. The drums are moved into contact with the inflated tires to rotate the tires and wheels to balance them on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Rick Sinclair
  • Patent number: 6574845
    Abstract: A pair of pincers for assembling and disassembling the spring of the brake shoes in a drum brake includes a position lever and a hook lever preset in its form, having respective grip at a lower portion and pivotally combined together. The hook lever has a hook formed on a top end and the position lever is fitted with a position member capable to rotate freely therein and the position member has ratchet teeth provided around on an upper end. Thus, the ratchet teeth of the position member are forced to firmly hold the outer wall of the brake shoes, and the hook of the hook lever hooks the spring of the brake shoes and then hold close two grips to disassemble it with quickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Hsin Fa Kang
  • Patent number: 6574846
    Abstract: A tool set for replacing brake pads of disc braking systems in the present invention includes a screw rod, a sleeve, a first plate body, a second plate body, a guide rod, and at least one connector with various sizes, by which a selective combination of the components described above is capable of providing an automobile with a specialized tool for pressing an outward piston to its initial position for convenient replacing new brake pads when the outward piston is gradually traveled toward old brake pads with a continuous wearing in linings of the old disc brake pads. Moreover, various selective combinations of the components described above are also capable of providing automobiles employed with different types of disc braking systems with variety of suitable specialized tools fitting functional requirements and being convenient in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Hsin Fa Kang
  • Patent number: 6574847
    Abstract: A valve keeper installation device for facilitating installation of valve keepers. The valve keeper installation device includes a pliers member for engaging and compressing valve locks including: a jaw portion for providing a compressive force; a handle portion designed for being grasp by a human hand, and having two opposed members such that squeezing both opposed members towards each other tightens the jaw portion providing a compressive force; and a cup portion integrally coupled to the jaw portion, and designed for engaging a valve keeper, the cup portion includes a first curved member integrally coupled to a first jaw member and a second curved member integrally coupled to a second jaw member, the first and second curved members being positioned such that an longitudinal axis of the cup portion is substantially collinear with a longitudinal axis of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Tracy L. Scroggins
  • Patent number: 6574848
    Abstract: The present invention provides an inner plug easily removable from a neck of a container, and a cap for covering the inner plug. The inner plug comprises an engaging portion to be fitted to a neck of the container, a threaded cylinder, and a lip cylinder connected to the threaded cylinder. The engaging portion comprises an inner cylinder, an outer cylinder, and a shoulder wall. The threaded cylinder is arranged on the inner cylinder. The cap has a side cylinder to be engaged with the threaded cylinder of the inner plug, and a cover cylinder covering the shoulder wall and the outer cylinder. The cover cylinder has a diameter larger than a diameter of the side cylinder. The outer cylinder is provided with a cut portion. The shoulder wall is provided with a cut portion connecting to the cut portion of the outer cylinder. The shoulder wall is provided on a lower surface thereof with a tear off groove along the outer cylinder. The groove is connected to the cut portion of the shoulder wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Fujie, Masaru Tamura, Takao Kishi