Patents Issued in June 24, 2003
  • Patent number: 6581300
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying veneer wherein the feeder upstream of the drying station displaces the veneer at different speeds on the right and left sides of the transport path of the veneer as seen in the direction of transport so as automatically to impart an inclined orientation of the veneer of 20° to 60° to a line perpendicular to the transport direction before the veneer reaches the drying station. In the drying station and the cooling station the veneer retains this inclined orientation and in these stations the veneer is subjected to multiple rerouting or the application of pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Babcock-BSH GmbH
    Inventors: Ingo Grebe, Helmut Wünsche
  • Patent number: 6581301
    Abstract: A paper drying apparatus to dry a paper web carried on a fabric sheet includes a first rotatable drum to carry a paper web. A second rotatable drum is positioned downstream of the first drum with respect to the paper web carried by the first and second rotatable drum. A third rotatable drum is positioned downstream of the second rotatable drum to carry the paper web. A first air supply directs air through the first rotatable drum in a first direction to dry a paper web carried on the first rotatable drum. A second air supply supplies air through the second rotatable drum in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A third air supply supplies air through the third rotatable drum in the first direction. The first direction is one of a direction from an inside of a respective drum toward an outside of the respective drum and from the outside of the respective drum toward the inside of the respective drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Corporation
    Inventor: Benjamin A. Thorp
  • Patent number: 6581302
    Abstract: In known rack dryers, the drying effect is weaker in the outer area on the side of the air intake into the pipe chambers than in the other areas. Said weaker drying effect is caused by turbulence in this area, which leads to a drop in the static pressure. The aim of the invention is to provide a dryer which ensures even drying of the goods across the entire width, even in the problem areas. The rack dryer is equipped with conductive bodies (20, 26) which are located on the partition wall (5) and which streamline the current in the area of the air intake into the pipe chambers in such a way, that a predominantly even static pressure prevails throughout the entire pipe chamber. The invention can be used for drying sandwich-type plaster board or wood veneer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventors: Rudi Philipp, Burkhard Behrendt
  • Patent number: 6581303
    Abstract: A shoe is ventilated by compression and expansion of a pump molded of one-piece with an insert sandwiched between an insole and an outsole. Dome-shaped projections on the insole and outsole are located at opposite sides of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: E.S. Originals, Inc.
    Inventor: Wei-Jei Tuan
  • Patent number: 6581304
    Abstract: A safety shoe includes an upper, a steel toe, an outsole and a partial insole tuck for preventing rearward movement of the steel toe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Georgia Boot LLC
    Inventor: David Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6581305
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a footwear construction having an insert of unitary structure and made of a single flexible material for providing increased structural support and strength of the footwear while maintaining flexibility of the footwear. Unlike the prior art insert, the present invention makes use of only a single material is used to manufacture the insert. A preferred material should be pliant or flexible and yet can provide the strength and structural support to the footwear in which the insert is used. Instead of using materials of different softness for the various sections in the insert to facilitate bending of the footwear, openings are added to various locations in the insert to facilitate planar bending movement. Such openings are commonly located in the forefoot section. To increase structural support and strength to the footwear, the insert is fixedly secured to the footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Odyssey Shoes, Inc.
    Inventor: James Ho
  • Patent number: 6581306
    Abstract: A lift device mounted on a vehicle is provided for lifting a vertically movable assembly mounted to the vehicle. It has a primary lift arm in pivotal relation to the vehicle with a near end and a distal end disposed generally above the assembly. A secondary lift arm is pivotally mounted on the primary lift arm and has a free end. A hanging mechanism secures the assembly to the free end to suspend the assembly from the free end. A positioning mechanism raises and lowers the distal end of the primary lift arm to raise and lower the assembly and to hold the assembly off of the ground on which the vehicle travels. An elastic member attenuates resultant forces originating at the assembly and transmitted from the secondary lift arm to the primary lift. The forces are therefore absorbed preventing transmission of the forces to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventors: James Anthony DiClementi, Robert Daniel DiClementi, Linda Rose DiClementi
  • Patent number: 6581307
    Abstract: A wing plow assembly includes a base member for mounting to a plowing vehicle (or to structures connected to a plowing vehicle, such as on a plow frame for a front moldboard). Upper and lower height adjustment arms each have a base end pivotally anchored to the base member, and an opposing plow end pivotally linked to a plow positioning leg. The base member, height adjustment arms, and plow positioning leg form a parallelogram linkage wherein the plow positioning leg may vertically swing on the height adjustment arms about the base member. A wing plow having a length extending between a inner end and a outer end has its inner end affixed to the plow positioning leg so that the wing plow may also vertically swing about the base member, thereby allowing the wing plow to be raised and lowered with respect to the base member (and thus with respect to the plowing vehicle).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Burke Truck & Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Jayson D. Jones, Daniel K. Jones
  • Patent number: 6581308
    Abstract: A high capacity bucket arrangement for a work machine having a pair of opposite side plates and a moldboard extending between, and attached to, the side plates. The trailing portion of a base plate is attached to the top portion of the moldboard, while the leading portion of the base plate is outwardly curved, relative to the bottom portion of the moldboard, which allows for a greater bucket capacity as well as the generated bucket breakout force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Woerman, Philip M. Cioffi
  • Patent number: 6581309
    Abstract: A temperature indicator for a clothes iron includes a heat-sensitive element configured to be coupled to a clothes iron and configured to be disposed to receive heat from a heating surface of the clothes iron, and a visual indicator coupled to the heat-sensitive element and configured to provide a visual indication of heat received by the heat-sensitive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Carl J. Conforti
  • Patent number: 6581310
    Abstract: A holiday countdown device used to keep track of the days preceding a holiday or special event. The device is constructed from an elongated piece of fabric, having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a middle portion. An overlay extends down the length of the piece of fabric, with a plurality of ribbons attached to the overlay in a straight column. Each ribbon has a midpoint stitched to the overlay and two unattached halves. The number of ribbons on the device constitute the number of days in the countdown. The ribbons are tied around a treat, and as each day elapses, the uppermost ribbon is untied and the treat is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Carol Ferrier
  • Patent number: 6581311
    Abstract: A clip assembly presents indicia on an interior panel of a vehicle. The clip assembly has a face plate having indicia thereon and a base for mounting the clip assembly to the interior panel. The face plate has at least two barbed posts. The base has a contour which is asymmetrical in at least one direction. The base engages with a complementarily shaped recess on the interior panel such that the base is received therein in only one orientation. The base has at least two complementary apertures receiving the posts. The apertures and the posts are constructed and arranged such that the face plate engages the base through the interior panel in only one orientation relative thereto, enabling the face plate to be attached to the interior panel presenting the indicia in a predetermined readable orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Magna Interior Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey William Davey, Erik Richard Davis, Terry Lynn Brandl
  • Patent number: 6581312
    Abstract: An adjustable sign mount and graphic for mounting to an associated display includes a spine, a mounting bracket and a graphic. The spine has an elongated dimension and is formed having a bracket channel and a graphic channel. Each the bracket channel and the graphic channel include a plurality of support walls transverse to the spine elongated dimension and a plurality of locking walls parallel to the spine elongated dimension and extending respectively from the support walls to define bracket channel and graphic channel upper and lower locking walls. The bracket channel and graphic channel upper and lower locking walls define bracket and graphic spine openings, respectively, in the bracket and graphic channels. The mounting bracket has a first end mountable to the associated display and a second end defining a mounting portion that is configured for insertion into one of the bracket spine openings and lockingly engagable with opposing upper and lower bracket locking walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Cormark, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Padiak, Paul C. Evans
  • Patent number: 6581313
    Abstract: A collapsible object is provided having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, with the material assuming the unfolded orientation of its associated frame member. A pole coupled to the panel to support the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 6581314
    Abstract: A product information display apparatus is provided to display primary and secondary product information. The display apparatus generally comprises a label holder and a sign holder. The label holder includes a sleeve having front and rear walls defining an interior pocked sized to receive a label having primary product information. The sign holder is structured for selective attachment to the label holder to position a sign adjacent the front wall of the sleeve, the sign having secondary product information. Preferably, the sign holder has a general C-shape with the free ends of the C-shape defining a throat sized smaller than a height of the sleeve. Also, the general C-shape is preferably defined by a pair of rear walls connected by a front wall, the front wall spaced from the pair of rear walls a distance similar to a thickness of the sleeve to securely position the sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Southern Imperial, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley C Valiulis
  • Patent number: 6581315
    Abstract: A flat, substantially transparent lens lying in a flat plane retains a designation card within a recess in a surface. The lens is made of flexible sheet plastic with means at either end for securing the lens in the recess. At one end, a tab is integral with the lens and has an attachment end which joins the lens. The tab extends away from the plane of the lens to a geniculation spaced from the lens plane. At the geniculation, the tab reverses direction and extends toward the lens plane to return generally to that plane, where it terminates in a finger grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Mitel Knowledge Corporation
    Inventors: Julia Carol Turner, Michael Stephen McGuire, Hans Dieter Beisner
  • Patent number: 6581316
    Abstract: An apparatus for grouping electronic price labels (EPLs) which facilitates installation of electronic price labels in signs and promotional displays rather than standard shelf edges. The apparatus primarily includes a frame member for mounting the EPLs including a plurality of bays arranged in a plurality of rows and columns. The apparatus additionally includes a product description sheet mounted to the frame member including apertures for exposing displays within the EPLs. Optionally included are a product description sheet holder which mounts to the frame member for retaining the product description sheet against the front surface and a base for supporting the frame member on a flat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Donald L. Forsythe, John C. Goodwin, III
  • Patent number: 6581317
    Abstract: A fiber optic pin sight, for use predominantly with an archery bow, or even with other firearms, includes a holder, supporting one or more fiber optic pin sights, and an illumination source at the back of the fiber optic material for use for furnishing an illumination to the fiber optic for its transmission through and for lighting the pin sights to facilitate the targeting when either directing an archery bow or firearm towards a target sight or to a quarry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Toxonics Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott O. Slates
  • Patent number: 6581318
    Abstract: A fishing reel receiving device includes a sleeve which has one end connected to a fishing rod and a reel is engaged with the other end of the sleeve. A hole in an end of the sleeve for the fishing line extending therethrough. Two ribs extend from an inner periphery of the distal end of the sleeve and the reel has two engaging slots so as to receive the two ribs. A safety member is movably inserted in the reel so as to prevent the button of the reel from being unintentionally touched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Han-Chi Lu
  • Patent number: 6581319
    Abstract: A fishing lure that emanates an intermittent sound-producing vibration for attracting fish. The lure comprises a body which simulates a living creature, where a central portion thereof includes a motor mounting an unbalanced weighted shaft to effect the vibration. Further, the motor is controlled by a programmed microprocessor to randomly operate the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Daron K. West
  • Patent number: 6581320
    Abstract: A tube weight lure apparatus includes a lure body having a hollow interior cavity. An inner tube extends through the cavity and receives a fishing line therethrough. A weight member is fixedly mounted on the inner tube within the interior cavity in the body. The weight member is in the form of a hollow tube variably positionable along the length of the inner tube. The inner tube is flexible and has a length greater than the length of the body to assume an arcuate shape when the first and second ends of the inner tube are fixed to the body. In this aspect, the weight member is mounted at the valley of the arcuate shape of the inner tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas A. Hnizdor
  • Patent number: 6581321
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel jig and fishing system. The jig comprises a bulbous, bent-shaped body having one flat side. The jig is constructed of substantially rust-free materials such as copper and brass. The jig may be used with a novel fishing system comprising a durable, substantially flat-membered line receptacle around with heavy weight line is wound in known lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Minas Tashchyan
  • Patent number: 6581322
    Abstract: It is provided a bait grinder (10) adapted for cutting bait fish into chum bait and for grinding it, comprising an oblong housing (11) for feeding by gravity the bait fish; cutting means (30) fastened to lower end of an axial shaft (31); filtering means (33) at the housing outlet cooperating with means for keeping the filtering function thereof, wherein the cutting (30) comprise scything cutting mean (35) which are also means for driving and comprising the chum bait against the filtering mean (33) for grinding them—and shearing cutting means (36) for cutting residual chum bait retained by the filtering means (33) for cutting residual chum bait retained by the filtering means (33), which are in sliding contact with these latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Giovanni Spinelli
  • Patent number: 6581323
    Abstract: A technique is provided for keeping rodents and other pests out of warehouses and other buildings. A pest control device or guard is provided which is attached or fixed near the bottom surface of a garage door. The pest control device can adjust to uneven ground surfaces so that a fence or guard is provided to prevent pests, such as rats from entering buildings. The pest control device may be comprised of first, second, and third brackets which are connected together and can be mounted to a garage door. The brackets may be L-shaped. A plurality of pins is connected to the first, second, and third brackets so that each of the plurality of pins can move with respect to the first, second, and third brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Guy C. Renzi
  • Patent number: 6581324
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling ants and other pests are provided. A micromachine has a battery and a remotely actuatable electrical switch operatively associated therewith. The micromachine has at least a portion thereof covered by an ant attractant such as food or bait, for example. The micromachine is of such size and weight as to be readily transportable by a fire ant or carpenter ant or other pest. In one embodiment, a resistance heating element is energized by the battery when the switch is closed thereby causing communication between a recess containing a pheromone or fungus or other ant controllant substance and the exterior of the micromachine. In an alternate embodiment, a radio frequency transmitter will emit a signal to assist with location of the ant or pest nests and thereby permit action to be taken to control the ants. Vibration of the micromachine is preferably effected at intermittent periods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventors: Samuel M. Creeger, Uri Fakiro
  • Patent number: 6581325
    Abstract: A device for the control of termites is disclosed, wherein the device is a housing which is adapted so that a moisture absorbing attractant in the housing may be heated by the housing being exposed to the natural thermal radiation of the sun when attached to the ground surface. The lower end of the housing has an opening to the interior for access by termites. Non-toxic and toxic baits may be added to the moisture absorbing attractant when activity is detected or anticipated. The device may be used together with other termite control devices mechanically connected to it. During the day, the device uses the thermal radiation of the sun to heat the attractant which absorbs moisture from the soil. At night, the attractant releases the moisture into the soil, creating a temperature anomaly readily detectable by termites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Gordon Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn Gordon
  • Patent number: 6581326
    Abstract: A device supporting an insecticide container in actuating fashion for engaging an insect nest. The insecticide is provided as a conventional aerosol spray which includes a depressible head. First and second elongated and telescopically attached members define proximal and distal ends. A handle at the proximal end includes an axial extending slot. A button projection from the first elongated member extends through the slot and permits the handle a degree of axial movement. A platform is arranged at the distal end of the elongated members and supports thereupon the insecticide container. A pair of elongated and telescopically attached rods extend between the handle and the platform and, upon actuation of the handle, axially displaces the platform in a direction towards a tab extending in fixed manner from the distal end of the telescopically attached members, engaging against the depressible container head to actuate the spray container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Keith Smith
  • Patent number: 6581327
    Abstract: A plant propagation apparatus is disclosed which comprises a flexible transparent enclosure. The enclosure is disposable, and could be formed of a polymer such as polyethylene. The enclosure would have at least two walls, formed of flexible material that facilitates transmission of light through the walls. Plant material is sealed within the enclosure, and nutrient solution is made available within the sealed enclosure for the plant. The enclosure is a low cost and effective method for propagating young plants and transporting them between the laboratory environment and a greenhouse or field. The enclosure may be configured to receive gas or carbon dioxide on its inner surface to a predetermined level of pressure, thereby affording the enclosure a flexible but stiff mechanical resistance that protects the young plant while it is growing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Adelberg, Maria P. Delgado
  • Patent number: 6581328
    Abstract: A two piece vase adapted to house flowers or a floral arrangement. An insert is adapted to be mounted in a chamber of a vase structure. The insert is not readily visible when inserted into the vase structure and provides a watertight seal. The insert is further easier to clean and provides a more convenient method of mounting the flowers into the vase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Phillip LaMear
  • Patent number: 6581329
    Abstract: A seed is placed in a receptacle filled with soil to grow into a plant. The plant is transplanted when it has reached a certain size and it is then desirable to be able to relocate the plant together with a coherent lump of soil. This is difficult to achieve, but the present invention makes it possible by providing a conical lump of soil that is formed in a depression with a bottom. When the plant has grown sufficiently large so that a root system has been formed, the bottom of the depression need only be upwardly displaced for a firm conical lump of soil with a plant to be obtained, which is easy to transplant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Daled AB
    Inventor: Albert Eriksson
  • Patent number: 6581330
    Abstract: Packaging for cut flowers comprises: a rectangular crate (1) with sloping side walls which are provided close to their top walls with a channel (5, 6, 7) that projects outwards and is open at the top, the base of which channel serves to support a foldable rectangular protective tube (2). In order to be able to nest a number of crates (1) deeply into one another without risk of binding, a shoulder (9) is arranged between the top edge of the sloping side walls of the crate and the base (7) or the bottom end of the inner flange (6) of the channel (5, 6, 7) open at the top. Said shoulder can also serve as support for a rectangular presentation collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Pagter & Partners International B.V.
    Inventors: Joannes Carolus Antonius Helsloot, Janus Adriaan Willem De Pagter
  • Patent number: 6581331
    Abstract: A opening and closing mechanism for a door or a window including a stationary primary track, a movable secondary track, an operating member with one end pivotally fixed in the primary track and an opposite end movable along the secondary track, and a guide engageable with a guide surface of the operating member. The guide surface is curved along at least a portion of a length thereof such that a tangent to the guide surface at a point where the guide surface crosses a longitudinal center line of the primary track forms an acute angle with the center line. The acute angle is substantially constant throughout the range of pivotal movement of the operating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph Michael Kral
  • Patent number: 6581332
    Abstract: The present system includes various mechanisms and devices which may be used to automatically open and close a window. In cooperation with the various mechanisms, a remote controller may be operated to accuate the mechanisms and devices without manual manipulation. In addition to the window mechanism being automatically operated, the system may also operate to lock the window structure to prevent unnecessary stress and overload to the motor, or to prevent unauthorized access and entry through the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Hak Kyum Kim
  • Patent number: 6581333
    Abstract: A frame for an electromechanical prison door lock. The frame includes multiple arrays of indicia that indicate which apertures match the locations of mounting holes in at least two locks each having a different mounting configuration. A cutout formed in a face and side member of the frame form a pocket in which one of the locks is mounted. A lock cover plate is removably mounted to the frame to cover the cutout in the face and includes an opening for a lock cylinder. A latch cover plate is carried by the lock cover plate and is positioned to cover the cutout in the side member. Cutouts are provided in the latch cover plate for a lock latch bolt and a latching roller. The frame may be installed in an opening in a cell or passage wall prior to selection of the lock type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: The Bratton Corporation
    Inventor: Gene F. Kimball
  • Patent number: 6581334
    Abstract: A high strength T-joint for inflatable tubular is formed by forming a butt joint between the end of a first two tubular member and the side wall of a second tubular member. The opening in the side wall of the second tubular member is sized to match the end of the transverse support member so that a sealing flange can be applied to the inner surface of the joint to provide an airtight seal. A reinforcing flange comprising a disk-shaped piece of fabric having a center opening, is then bonded over the opening in the second tubular member. The center opening in the reinforcing flange is substantially smaller than the opening in the side rail member. Therefore the reinforcing flange substantially reduces the size of the discontinuity in the side wall of side rail member, thereby substantially increasing the circumferential (“hoop”) load capacity of the side wall of the side rail member and substantially increasing the rupture pressure of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Ted H. Oney, Haiwen Meng
  • Patent number: 6581335
    Abstract: A post cap assembly having a body including a generally vertical side defining an interior volume. A one locating member projecting into the interior volume and having a stop formed thereon for positioning the post cap on a support. Furthermore, the post cap having an upper portion to selectively receive a light source. The light source reflected down over and substantially illuminating only the sides of the post cap through apertures selectively formed in eaves on the tops of the sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Darcey Grant
  • Patent number: 6581336
    Abstract: A waste water collection arrangement for combining the waste water discharge of several different plumbing fixtures includes a water receiving trap having a chamber in which water is received to provide a gas-tight seal. At least two inlet assemblies deliver waste water to the chamber and at least one outlet assembly discharges water from the chamber. The chamber has a lid part through which the inlet assemblies pass at least substantially perpendicular to the lid part. The inlet assemblies are mounted on the lid part so as to be movable as required to desired positions for connection to waste water conduits. The chamber is essentially isolated from the ambient air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Kvaerner Masa-Yards Oy
    Inventors: Timo Anttalainen, Raimo Astikainen, Pentti Koskela, Ilkka Seppä, Veikko Laisi, Pertti Päätalo, Rauno Virtanen
  • Patent number: 6581337
    Abstract: A modular enclosure including first channels and a plurality of second and third channels which intersect the first channel at an angle, and a plurality of panels, each including a wall member and edge members pivotally coupled to the wall member. The wall members are configured to engage the first channel and the edge members are configured to engage the second and third channels. A method of assembling a modular enclosure is also disclosed, including providing a base including first channels, second channels, and third channels, providing a plurality of side panels each having a wall member and a first and second edge member pivotally coupled to the wall member, pivoting the first and second edge members so that they are non-parallel to the wall member, and inserting the wall members into the first channel, the first edge member into second channels, and the second edge members into third channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventors: Erik L. Skov, David A. Bird, John F. Travers, Kenneth F. Clausen, Jonathan N. Mandel I, Laura M. Marker
  • Patent number: 6581338
    Abstract: An escapable area well cover includes an elevated body having a top gently sloping away from a building, and a trio of sides that extend generally vertically. A casement window is pivotal beneath the cover, and may be either right or left hinged and still fully opened. The cover additionally includes a pair of flanges adjacent the building that permit the cover to conform to irregular building surfaces while also increasing the strength of the cover. A second pair of flanges cooperates with the top of the area well, to both support the cover and also shed moisture away from the area well. The cover is most preferably fabricated from an ultraviolet resistant plastic such as UV protected polycarbonate, and may be formed by many different techniques, but is most preferably vacuum thermoformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventors: Myron N. Koenig, Richard D. Lintel
  • Patent number: 6581339
    Abstract: An erectable platform includes at least one bay, the bay having; at least one deck assembly, the deck assembly having a plurality of threaded couplers. The platform further includes support structure having at least two spaced apart main beams and at least two intermediate beams, each of said main beams underlying each of the at least one deck assemblies in a supporting disposition, each of said main beams presenting a first elongate, upward directed threaded receiver, the threaded receiver having two spaced apart rails defining a slot between the two rails, and each of said intermediate beams extending between two of the at least two main beams and being operably removably coupled thereto, and a plurality of depending columns operably removably coupled to the support structure in a supporting disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Wenger Corporation
    Inventor: Martin E. Thiede
  • Patent number: 6581340
    Abstract: This invention is a modular anti-seismic protection device to be used in buildings and similar constructions. It discloses a modular base, which is to be laid on the ground below a building's foundation plate, to dampen, dissipate, and cancel out seismic waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Innovacion Y Diseno Orovay, S.L.
    Inventors: Vicente Signes Orovay, Javier Signes Orovay
  • Patent number: 6581341
    Abstract: A spacer and sealant strip comprising a sealant support member having a longitudinal axis and a planer surface bounded by first and second edges, a stiffener cooperating with said sealant support member, a shim in contact with said stiffener and said sealant support member, and a sealant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: TruSeal Technologies
    Inventors: James Lynn Baratuci, Ronald Ellsworth Buchanan, Patrick Anthony Drda, Louis Anthony Ferri, Eric W. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6581342
    Abstract: The invention provides: a multi-layer security glazing unit for resisting actions of force, comprising a pair of spaced-apart glass panels provided with a reinforcing resin material there between and sealed together along at least one common edge thereof by an adhesive material within a rigid clamping channel of substantially U-shaped cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: T.D. Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Aharon Tavivian
  • Patent number: 6581343
    Abstract: The invention concerns a girder in reinforced concrete that has a flat intrados (11) and a flat or sloping extrados (12), which consists of two symmetrical halves or girders (13, 14) with adjacent parts that meet in a plane mid-way (15), perpendicular to the intrados, and equipped, near the extrados (12), with connecting plates for bolting (16) and, near the intrados (11), with a joint device (17) that has bars which are parallel to the intrados.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Luigi Metelli
  • Patent number: 6581344
    Abstract: A workstation for a work environment having a floor is disclosed. The workstation includes a plurality of frame sections, and a latch mechanism releasably and rigidly securing at least one frame section to the floor. The latch mechanism includes a latch coupled to one of the frame sections, a wedge coupled to the latch, and a clip disposed between the latch and the wedge. The clip has a pair of flanges with ends capable of being disposed at least partially beneath the floor. The latch is configured to move the wedge between the flanges of the clip to operate the latch mechanism between a latched position and a released position so that the workstation may be quickly and easily disassembled. A workstation for a work environment having a floor having an aperture is also disclosed. The workstation includes among other features a latch mechanism having a sleeve and a wedge that may be inserted into the sleeve so that an end is at least partially disposed within the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Mitchell Niewiadomski, Frederick S. Faiks
  • Patent number: 6581345
    Abstract: The present invention provides a track concealment system for use with a movable wall system having movable walls, a track and a trolley. The invention includes a pair of panels, each sized to conceal a portion of the track, and a pair of brackets each having a first portion attachable to the track and a second portion configured to support an edge of a corresponding panel. When supported by the second portion, the panels are arranged such that the edge of said panel is adjacent the connecting member thereby concealing the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Modernfold, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Goldsmith, N. Douglas Owens
  • Patent number: 6581346
    Abstract: Thin metal anchoring plates provide mechanical bonding between flooring materials such as concrete and plywood. Teeth punched from the metal plates and bent at right angles on the topside form anchorage for the concrete slab and metal screws anchor the metal plate to the plywood subfloor. The metal anchoring plates allow a thin layer of concrete to form a composite section with residential floor construction and to stay in compression—a state in which cracking cannot occur in concrete. Thus, two inherent problems associated with concrete—it's heavy weight and propensity for cracking are solved and thus, allow it now to be used for residential seamless flooring that can be colored, stamped, and textured, for years of low maintenance fire resistant use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Robert C. Melland
  • Patent number: 6581347
    Abstract: An expansion joint cover (10) comprises a first plate (18) hingedly attached to a first surface (14) of an expansion joint (12), a second plate (20) hingedly attached to the first plate (18), and a housing (26) fixedly secured to a second surface (16) of the expansion joint (12). During installation, a front plate (52) of the housing (26) can rotate about a hinge (58) to allow the second plate (20) to be installed within the housing (26). In use, the second plate (20) slides within the housing (26) to accommodate variations in separation distance and vertical offset between the two surfaces (14,16). Two hinges (36,44) accommodate variations in torsion between the two surfaces (14,16). The combination of the second plate (20) sliding within the housing (26) and the two hinges (36,44) accommodates variations in lateral offset between the two surfaces (14,16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Balco, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronny L. Knak, Dean V. Balocca, Johnnie D. Hilburn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6581348
    Abstract: A crush resistant seamless roofing system is formed by a layer of adjacent panels having loose joints filled by expanding rising foam adhesive, which is trimmed to remove excess foam adhesive above a top plane of the roofing system. The roofing system thus formed is covered by a fabric layer and a coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: John P. Hunter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6581349
    Abstract: A method and article of manufacture for building waterproof concrete structures. An integral casing comprised of a rigid plastic shell with an armature attached to its face is covered with concrete. The shell is formed either in the shape of a desired structure or in a generic shape to be used to splice together a larger custom structural shape in a mosaic fashion. The shell acts both as a form to support the wet poured concrete and becomes an integral part of the finished structure to provide waterproofing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Bruce L. Riley