Patents Issued in June 24, 2003
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Patent number: RE38150Abstract: A child-resistant, wick-based liquid emanation system includes a container which is capable of containing liquid and has an opening. A wick is partially disposed within the container and extends through the opening of the container. A hollow overcap encases the extended portion of the wick and has a closed, separable tip and an open base attached to cover the opening of the container. The system is activated by separating the tip from the overcap. A retainer may be provided for obstructing complete removal of the wick from the container through the overcap after the tip is separated from the overcap. The retainer can include a shoulder disposed in the overcap between the tip and the base to retain the wick toward the base of the overcap. Alternatively, a protrusion from the wick can engage an inner surface of the overcap or the container. In this case, the overcap can have a frangible portion facilitating separation of the tip, and the wick can extend past the frangible portion toward the tip.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventors: Keith J. Greatbatch, Mark E. Wefler
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Patent number: RE38151Abstract: A rotatable cutting insert of improved geometry having a shank depending from a head portion and having a hard insert mounted therein, includes an insert having a conically shaped tip section, a base section contiguous with a first intermediate section, a second intermediate section contiguous with both tip and first intermediate section, and where the diameter of the second intermediate section is equal to the maximum diameter of the tip but is smaller than the diameter of the base section.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Kennametal Inc.Inventors: Joe Penkunas, Neil Portnoff
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Patent number: RE38152Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit of registers and combinational logic circuits connected between the registers is generated by a top-down design technique. When performing the logic synthesizing of such a semiconductor integrated circuit by making use of data of register transfer level, a combinational logic circuit with a critical path is driven with power from a high-voltage source, a combinational logic circuit without a critical path is driven with power from a low-voltage source, and a level converter capable of converting an input signal of low voltage level into a high-voltage-level output is arranged in a register located upstream of a combinational logic circuit with a critical path. Compared with a technique in which only critical paths are driven with power from a high-voltage source, it becomes easier to determine where to arrange level converters. Additionally, the number of level converters required can be reduced, thereby facilitating design work.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazutake Ohara
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Patent number: RE38153Abstract: A two dimensional beam deflector is disclosed which deflects beams from multiple optical assemblies. The input of beams of the multiple optical assemblies follow parallel optical paths until deflection to a wafer. An ellipsometer using a two-dimensional beam deflector is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Nova Measuring Instruments, Ltd.Inventor: Moshe Finarov
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Patent number: RE38154Abstract: An electronic device including a microprocessor, a circuit generating a clock signal, and memories of both the volatile type and the non-volatile type, incorporates a circuit for generation of a reset signal capable of detecting a stop in the oscillation of said clock signal and generating a logic signal coupled with the reset input of the microprocessor. The circuit monitors the clock signal applied to the device and, if an irregularity is detected, generate a reset signal holding the microprocessor in a safe state. The reset signal is held until the circuit generating the clock signal resumes normal operation.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1999Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Angelo Moroni, Flavio Scarra, Alberto Taddeo
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Patent number: RE38155Abstract: A dog food composition containing a small but sufficient amount of simmondsin component to provide simmondsin within the range of 0.1% by weight of said dog food dry matter mix to about 1.5% by weight of said dog food dry matter mix. Also disclosed as part of the invention is a method of weight reduction of companion pets by adding to pet food the above-defined range of simmondsin, contributed by simmondsin, simmondsin analogues or mixtures thereof, such as derived from defatted jojoba seed meal, and thereafter feeding the pet food to a companion pet on a regular and sustained basis to achieve weight reduction then weight maintenance.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: International Flora Technologies LtdInventors: James H. Brown, David R. Jones, Lon D. Lewis
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Patent number: RE38156Abstract: A process for operating a PEM fuel cell installation includes providing at least one PEM fuel cell module having an inlet valve for hydrogen H2 and an inlet valve for oxygen O2. In order to switch off the PEM fuel cell module, the oxygen O2 inlet valve is closed in a first step, and the hydrogen H2 inlet valve is closed in a second step when a predetermined oxygen O2 partial pressure at a cathode part of the PEM fuel cell module is reached. Reliable operation of the PEM fuel cell installation is guaranteed by this measure.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Karl Strasser, Willi Bette, Regina Hornung
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Patent number: RE38157Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a high temperature injection molded polymeric rainhat for a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning air intake of an automotive vehicle is provided. The rainhat includes a flange for adhesively and sealably joining to a portion of the generally planar automotive vehicle cowling encircling a flared air inlet opening. A water dam joined to the flange extends beyond an end of the flared opening. The water dam has an extreme upper edge forming an opening. A foreign matter ingestion preventer has a plurality of first curvilinear supports extending in a first direction over the water dam upper edge opening. Each first support has opposite ends joined with the water dam, and each first support has a middle portion domed above the opening of the water dam. Each first support has a tapered exterior side. The foreign matter ingestion preventer also has plurality of second supports intersecting with the first curvilinear supports.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2002Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: L&L Products, Inc.Inventor: Dean Jeffrey Schneider
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Patent number: RE38158Abstract: This invention is related to an adhesive composition which may be used to bond or seal tissue in vivo. The adhesive composition is readily formed from a two component mixture which includes a first part of a protein, preferably a serum albumin protein, in an aqueous buffer having a pH in the range of about 8.0-11.0 and a second part of a water-compatible or water-soluble bifunctional crosslinking agent. When the two parts of the mixture are combined, the mixture is initially a liquid which cures in vivo on the surface of tissue in less than about one minute to give a strong, flexible, pliant substantive composition which bonds to the tissue and is absorbed in about four to sixty days. The adhesive composition may be used either to bond tissue, to seal tissue or to prevent tissue adhesions caused by surgery.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1998Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Thomas H. Barrows, Terry W. Lewis, Myhanh T. Truong, Matthew T. Scholz
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Patent number: RE38159Abstract: A method and device is provided for determining aortic valve abnormalities. The method first includes the step of providing a sphygmomanometer device for inducing a pressure on a body part of a patient. A data stream receiver is provided for receiving a stream of data relating to the pressure response of the pulsed fluid flowing through the cardiovascular system of the patient. A data processor is provided for processing the data to create a series of time dependant pulse wave forms. The data can be converted by Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) to obtain Power Spectrum (PS) which comprises a frequency dependant array of pulse signals. Both of the time dependant and frequency dependant (Power Spectrum) data can be displayed and analyzed to help determine the condition of the aortic valve and the percentage of regurgitation of the patient.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Pulse Metric, Inc.Inventors: Shiu-Shin Chio, Todd Brinton
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Patent number: 6581209Abstract: The nursing garment of this invention is in the nature of a bib, small enough to be easily carried with a baby's paraphernalia and easily positioned over a user's conventional outerwear when desired. The bib-like garment is preferably made from flannel into a body portion with a loop to pass over the head of a user, a panel that can be adjusted by the user to form either one or two openings for the breasts or to cover the breasts, as desired, and a second layer of privacy provided by at least one freely hanging flap extending over the panel. Reinforced edging extends around all sides of the garment.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventor: Catherine D. Bramhan
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Patent number: 6581210Abstract: A bib and dish combination device has a bib that preferably has an opening that is designed to accommodate a wearer's neck and to prevent food or beverage from touching a wearer's clothes as the wearer is eating or drinking. The lower end of the bib is preferably intended to engage a dish that is temporarily attached to a high chair tray or table, such as through suction cups or the like. The bib can be attached to the dish in a variety of different ways such that any food or drink that contacts the bib will roll off the bib and into the dish in order to prevent the spillage from falling into the wearer's lap. Further, the length of the bib retained within the device can be varied to accommodate any size individual.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventor: John Kaloustian
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Patent number: 6581211Abstract: A mitten that includes a body that has a form and a texture of that of an animal (e.g. bear) paw. The body covers a hand and has a combined thumb/finger-covering portion and a slot. The body is configured so as to allow the thumb and the fingers of the hand to exit from the combined thumb/finger-covering portion thereof and still remain completely in the body while the body is still donned normally on the hand. The slot in the body allows the thumb and the fingers of the hand to exit therefrom while the body is still donned on the hand, once the thumb and the fingers of the hand have exited from the combined thumb/finger-covering portion of the body, so as to expose the thumb and the fingers of the hand and allow unrestricted use of the thumb and the fingers of the hand while the body is still donned on the hand without having to undonne the body from the hand.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2002Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventor: Jeffrey Golden
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Patent number: 6581212Abstract: A protective garment for protection of body parts against cuts or puncture wounds comprising an inner layer, a protective layer and an outer layer, the protective layer being composed of a wire mesh of woven metal wires, the thickness of the metal wires being between 0.03 mm and 0.20 mm and the apertures in the wire mesh being between 0.05 mm and 0.45 mm.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Adtex ASInventor: Lars Petter Andresen
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Patent number: 6581213Abstract: A pair of swimming goggles comprises a first and a second single-eye modules, each of which includes a lens frame that has lens units mounted thereon, a module nose bridge which is mounted on the side of the lens frame, a module strap which is mounted on opposition the module nose bridge, wherein the module nose bridge include at least a first connection set which is disposed on the lens frame, the first connection set have a first position portion and a nose body which can be connected to the first position portion. The module strap including a matching mean which is mounted on the lens frame, a join mean which can be engaged to the matching mean, a strap element which is assembled on the join mean, and a fastener having a first and a second jacket set which are mounted on the free end of the strap element, such that the user can chose the dual single-eye module which are respectively conformity with own each eye's diopter and can be easily assembled into a pair of swimming goggles when in use.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventor: Herman Chiang
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Patent number: 6581214Abstract: A system utilizing multiple spacer and shim elements that nest together to raise a closet ring to the height required for the particular floor being used in a given application for a toilet bowl installation. The nested spacer and shim elements are placed on the rough floor and receive the closet ring mounting flange. Bosses on an upper side of a lower spacer and shim element are received in detents in a lower side of a corresponding upper spacer and shim element so that the spacer and shim elements are held securely in their nested position so as to form a registered spacer/shim stack. The spacer and shim elements will typically be ¼″ thick. The spacer and shim elements further include breakaway mounting tabs positioned about an outer circumference of the main body of the spacer and shim elements.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2002Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventors: Joe A. Love, Herman T. Charity, III, Lincoln J. Alvord
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Patent number: 6581215Abstract: A sterilizing and air conditioning electronic urinal includes a power rectifier circuit, a microcomputer control unit, a sensitivity control circuit, time delay circuit, a high voltage generating circuit, an ozone generator, a mixing device, a flushing solenoid valve circuit, an heater, an air pump circuit, and others. By aforesaid components, the electronic urinal can be operated with the internal program of the microcomputer control unit and therefore, the objects of water-saving and foul-removing are achieved.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventor: Kuo-Cheng Tai
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Patent number: 6581216Abstract: A commode shutoff device having a diverter housing, diverter valve within diverter housing, diverter arm, a means for actuating the diverter arm, support bracket, and an alternate water line is disclosed. Water is redirected from the overflow water line to the alternate water line by actuating the diverter arm through manually pulling up on the flush handle. Once the water is redirected, it can no longer flow into the bowl, thus preventing an overflow.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2002Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventor: Richard Halsell
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Patent number: 6581217Abstract: An air-blowing assembly for providing cooling air to the user of a spa, jetted bathtub or other heated water-containing member. The assembly has an air blower with an air blower inlet which received air from outside of the area of the spa. The blower conducts cooling air into a manifold. The manifold directs cooling air out of a series of vents on the upper lip of the spa. The air vents are adjustable in direction so that the user of the spa can direct cooling air to alleviate discomfort from an otherwise hot and moist atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2002Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventor: Sam M. Marcos
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Patent number: 6581218Abstract: A water conservation system for use in a shower stall or a bathtub having a shower head. The system includes a pair of receptacles placed on the floor of the shower stall. Each of the receptacles includes a cover, which has a hingedly connected panel to facilitate draining into a selected receptacle while a user is in the shower/bathtub. Collection of clear water is facilitated by directing the shower head at a first one of the receptacles when the water is warming up, and pivoting the shower head in the opposing direction when rinsing to direct gray or soapy water into a second one of the receptacles. The appropriate receptacle cover panel is opened depending upon the positioning of the shower head. Drains are formed in the tops of both receptacles, the tops having a drainage surface with a concave profile to direct water to a centrally positioned drain opening. Each of the receptacles has a removable pour spout, and a locking member is provided to prevent relative movement of the receptacles.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2002Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventor: Edward L. Koepenick, III
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Patent number: 6581219Abstract: A rotary shower brush for mounting in a shower stall that includes a brush assembly, a motor assembly, an upper mount assembly, and a lower mount assembly. The brush assembly vertically mounts in the shower stall. The motor assembly is operatively connected to, and rotates, the brush assembly. The upper mount assembly is attached to the motor assembly and attaches the motor assembly to the shower stall. The lower mount assembly is attached to the brush assembly and attaches the brush assembly to the shower stall. Variations of the upper mount assembly and the lower mount assembly allow the rotary shower brush to be attached to either the ceiling and the base of the shower stall or to a corner of the shower stall. In another embodiment, the brush assembly oscillates up and down as it rotates.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2002Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventor: Tadeusz Powaska
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Patent number: 6581220Abstract: A method for aromatherapy including recirculating shower water on a body of a bather, the shower water including at least one aromatherapy substance.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventors: David Yekutiely, Barak Yekutiely
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Patent number: 6581221Abstract: A support is provided for a bed or the like which provides one hundred percent unobstructed floor space therebelow. The support may be used for supporting a pair of vertically spaced beds or a bed having a desk or sofa positioned therebelow. The support comprises upstanding first and second end frames which are horizontally spaced-apart and which have guardrails secured to the upper ends thereof. Cross supports extend between the guardrails for supporting a bed thereon. Accessory supports optionally extend between the first and second end frames for supporting a desk or sofa thereon. The support may be quickly assembled and disassembled without the use of tools.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventor: Terry L. Rosenquist
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Patent number: 6581222Abstract: A harness for lifting a disabled person from a sitting position to a standing position by a lifting device having two attaching points for the lifting action, there being a distance between these points. The harness including a belt at least partly surrounding the body of the person to be lifted, which belt has four bands, which can be hooked on the attaching points so that the belt surrounds the person overlapping on the breast under breast height and two of the bands crossing each other. In order to increase the lateral stability when lifting the person two other of the four bands are attached to a back piece forming a part of the harness, which back piece is extended at the rear of the back of the person and outside the shoulders.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2002Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Liko Research & Development ABInventor: Gunnar Liljedahl
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Patent number: 6581223Abstract: A foldable frame assembly includes a plurality of parallel frame members, each of which has left and right columns. A plurality of coupling units are alternately disposed with the frame members, and each includes first left and right connecting rods and second left and right connecting rods. Each of the first left and right connecting rods has a first upper rod end that is pivoted to the upper column end of a respective one of the left and right columns of one of two adjacent ones of the frame members, and a first lower rod end that is opposite to the first upper rod end.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2002Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventor: Cheng-Chung Wang
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Patent number: 6581224Abstract: A heating system, e.g. for a bed mattress or floor sleeping area, has a tube extending in an array from a water inlet portion to a water outlet portion through a sinuous intermediate portion. The heating system has a longitudinal inner area extending centrally along the array and a pair of longitudinal outer areas extending at opposite sides of the inner area along the array. The intermediate portion has innermost runs distributed over the central area, where a sleeping person is most likely to lie, and connected directly to the inlet portion and to one another and outermost runs distributed over the outer areas and connected directly to the water outlet portion and to one another. A pump has an outlet connected through the water heater to the water inlet portion and an inlet connected to a water reservoir; and a water temperature and flow control device is connected to the pump and the water heater.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventor: Hyun Yoon
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Patent number: 6581225Abstract: The present invention provides an air supply mattress control system for the release of air at a controlled pressure and temperature to a user. A mattress or support member is supplied with pressurized air and has a plurality of force activated nozzle valve assemblies positioned across the upper surface of the mattress. When the upper surface of the valves are forced downward, the valves can release air from a manifold within the mattress. The air can be conditioned and pressurized by a pump and an air conditioning unit. Operation controls can be conveniently positioned adjacent a bed frame for setting the operation conditions of the air mattress.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventor: Kazumichi Imai
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Patent number: 6581226Abstract: The Open Frame Pillow & Head Support System is an apparatus which supports one's head and/or one's pillow(s) & head, and is designed with an open frame which has cantilevered upper arms which support its Head/Pillow Rest in a slightly elevated position above the resting or sleeping surface. The frame is intentionally designed to be open at its front side, opposed sides, and rear side. This design allows for one to rest comfortably in a variety of positions lying supine, prone, or on one's side while allowing for one's arm or arms to be laid or outstretched in a variety of positions comfortably underneath one's head, without the weight of the head or the weight of a pillow on which the head is resting, bearing upon the outstretched arm(s) and/or their contiguous body parts such as the shoulder(s), upper arm(s), elbow(s), forearm(s), wrist(s), hand(s).Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2002Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventor: Barry B. Brustein
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Patent number: 6581227Abstract: A hollow body is configured for use as a sitting support. A sitting area has at least two portions spaced from each other. At least one integral flat groove or recess is formed between the portions. The portions are interconnected by at least one connecting web extending between said portions.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2002Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Gebr. Obemaier OHGInventor: Toni Obermaier
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Patent number: 6581228Abstract: A portable changing apparatus for an infant for allowing a user to easily change diapers on a baby on outings, in particular. The portable changing apparatus for an infant includes a frame assembly capable of being folded; and also includes a leg assembly being attached to and foldable upon the frame assembly; and further includes a hinge assembly for folding the frame assembly and the leg assembly; and also includes a sheet of material being attached to the frame assembly and being adapted for an infant to lie upon; and further includes a hood member being attachable to the frame assembly; and also includes a storage unit being removably secured to the frame assembly; and further includes a child restraining member being adjustably attached to the frame assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2002Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventors: Mark O. Boskovich, Norma I. Boskovich
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Patent number: 6581229Abstract: A mattress system constructed of synthetic foam is described especially for use as a maternity mattress. The mattress system has a main mattress portion with a specifically shaped central opening through the center thereof. At least two modular plugs have both a top and bottom that is generally flat but are in some embodiments textured and the curved peripheries thereof are smooth with a curvature to mate with the central opening of the main mattress portion. The modular plugs may be of different thicknesses and can be selectively removed and positioned to increase the depth of the opening for receipt of a woman's growing abdomen during pregnancy.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventor: Glenn I. Bernstein
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Patent number: 6581230Abstract: A method for the washing of laundry in a motor-driver washing machine. The laundry method is intended to optimize the washing procedure with respect to the amount of mechanical energy which is needed in order to achieve the desired cleaning effect on the laundry.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Diehl AKO Stiftung & Co. KGInventor: Martin Weinmann
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Patent number: 6581231Abstract: A ramp apparatus and method for insertion of a four-wheel vehicle into a plastic flood protection car bag which comprises a ramp device having a pair of up-ramp surfaces, a pair of top surfaces and a pair of down-ramp surfaces, and car bag securements on the top surfaces for holding an open edge of the car bag while the four-wheel vehicle is rolled on the up- and down-ramp surfaces and into the car bag.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2002Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventors: Joseph Allain, Jr., Mark Allain
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Patent number: 6581232Abstract: Apparatus for use with automatic pool cleaners includes a tube which defines a flow channel for water drawn pump from the pool through a house by a remote pump. The tube includes tubular sections (10A, 10B) joined by a joint (11) which operates to move one tube section between first and second angularly displaced positions. Means are provided for periodically causing the movable tube section to move about the joint with sufficient force to impart movement to the hose to cause a change in direction of the cleaner.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventor: Michael John Chandler
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Patent number: 6581233Abstract: An electrically operable toothbrush, in particular an electrically operable toothbrush which includes an oscillatingly rotatable brush head, with the brush head being connected with a drive shaft, so as to be supported for rotation about its longitudinal axis. An electric motor is arranged in a handgrip of the toothbrush and a gearing having the input thereof connected with the electric motor and the output thereof with the drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Perfect Steam Appliance Ltd.Inventor: Rocky Cheng
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Patent number: 6581234Abstract: The present invention relates to replaceable dental brush units useful in an electric toothbrush. In particular, the invention provides for a replaceable dental brush unit useful in an electric toothbrush that uses gear links for connecting and driving motions of bristle head by motors.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventors: Jin Po Lee, Cheng-Chieh Chiang
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Patent number: 6581235Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning and removing deposits from internal walls of ducts for conveying fluids of any kind, comprising at least a propulsion head which is constituted by an elongated stem and by an impeller which is mounted freely on the stem and is suitable to produce an uninterrupted vibration and a series of hydraulic shocks or hammerings in order to cause the advancement of the head in the duct and a cleaning and/or removal element which is provided with means for rigid fixing to the front end of the stem or with means for engagement to the front or rear of the stem.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: International Westar LimitedInventor: Ezio Stocco
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Patent number: 6581236Abstract: The invention is concerned with an implement for spreading a powdery cleaning material on surfaces that have been contaminated with fluids dropping from vehicular traffic. The powdery material needs to be evenly spread over the contaminated surfaces while at the same time undergoing an abrading action relative to the surface to be cleaned. The implement consists of a rectangular block having a rubber sheet overlying its bottom surface with the sheet being fastened to the longitudinal side surfaces of the block. The rubber sheet on the bottom of the block and facing the surface to be cleaned has a tire-like tread profile thereon. A handle is attached to a top surface of the block.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventor: Paul E. Jennings
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Patent number: 6581237Abstract: A wiper blade (10) is proposed that serves to clean windows (30) of motor vehicles. The wiper blade has a bandlike, elongated, spring-elastic support element (12) for an elongated rubber-elastic wiper element (32) that can be pressed against the window and is disposed on the lower band face oriented toward the window and is oriented longitudinally parallel to the support element, and having a coupling part (16) toward the wiper blade, positioned on the upper band face of the support element remote from the window, for pivotably connecting the wiper blade (10) to a counterpart coupling part (18) belonging to a reciprocatingly driven wiper arm (20), in which the pivot axis (40) located in the longitudinal center portion of the support element is disposed substantially transversely to the longitudinal extent of the wiper blade (10), and the coupling part (16) with its flat underside is oriented toward the upper band face of the support element.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Thomas Kotlarski
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Patent number: 6581238Abstract: The invention proposes a motor vehicle windscreen wiper of the type in which a cover, intended completely to cover over a drive head, includes two longitudinal lateral flanks joined together by a transverse back which includes an upper longitudinal part and a downwards-curved part at its rear end. The transverse back of the cover includes an aperture giving access to means for fixing the drive head onto the end of an alternating-sweep drive shaft. A cap is provided, the contour of which is complementary to that of the aperture, which is mounted articulated on the cover between a service position in which it blocks off the aperture and an open raised position in which the aperture is clear.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Valeo System d'EssuyageInventor: Pierre Sevellec
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Patent number: 6581239Abstract: The invention provides a vacuum cleaner (10) comprising a main body (12) and a cleaner head (22) movably mounted theon, the cleaner head (22) having a downwardly directed suction opening (24), characterised in that the cleaner head (22) is mounted on the main body (12) by means of at least one articulating member (120), the or each articulating member (120) having a first end which is pivotably connected to the cleaner head (22) and a second end which is pivotably connected to the main body (12).Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Dyson LimitedInventors: James Dyson, Michael David Ganderton
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Patent number: 6581240Abstract: A brush attachment for vacuum cleaners comprises a housing consisting of a bottom part and a top part, a turbine wheel driven by the suction air stream, a brush roller driven by the turbine wheel, and a suction tube connection constructed in the form of a swivel/tilting joint. The brush roller is disposed in a brush roller chamber which has a bottom opening constructed as a suction orifice. The turbine wheel is disposed in a turbine chamber with a connection duct of the swivel/tilting joint. The duct is pivotable about the turbine wheel. The bottom part of the housing has webs which form the back wall of the brush roller chamber and the side walls of the turbine chamber and define a flow chamber. A nozzle made as a separate part is inserted in the flow chamber and contains an incident flow duct for alignment of the suction air stream flowing against the turbine wheel. The top part of the housing has connection webs which bear against the webs and against the top of the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Wessel-Werk GmbHInventor: Dieter Kaffenberger
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Patent number: 6581241Abstract: A vacuum cleaner system incorporating a closed loop airflow recirculation path for cooling a beater brush motor. A portion of clean, exhaust airflow created by a fan is diverted away from an exhaust port of the housing and directed into a flow path running alongside a portion of the housing. The airflow is used to pressurize a compartment within which a beater brush motor is disposed. A low pressure area created by the fan is used to assist in drawing the cooling exhaust airflow through the compartment, to thus form a closed loop cooling air recirculation system using only clean, filtered exhaust airflow to maintain the beater brush motor cool during use.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: David M. Shaver, Oleksiy P. Sergyeyenko, Murray D. Hunter
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Patent number: 6581242Abstract: A track and trolley system for movable wall panels including a track having upper and lower flanges, the upper and lower flanges being horizontally and vertically displaced from each other and defining a channel therebetween, the upper and lower flanges each having a disc-supporting surface; a carrier shaft disposed between the flanges and adapted to engage the wall panel; and a trolley having upper and lower discs rotationally mounted on the shaft, the upper and lower discs each having a lower surface supported on the disc-supporting surfaces of the upper and lower flanges, respectively, and each of the upper and lower discs including an outer edge and a center, each of the lower surfaces sloping upwardly from the outer edge toward the center, each of the lower surfaces including a contact portion adjacent the outer edge and engaging the disc-supporting surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Modernfold, Inc.Inventor: N. Douglas Owens
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Patent number: 6581243Abstract: A vehicle door hinge assembly with a built-in doorstop mechanism, includes a fixed knuckle secured to the bodywork of the vehicle, and a moving knuckle secured to the door of the vehicle. The moving knuckle is hinged to the fixed knuckle about a pin. The hinge assembly also includes a notched cam secured to the moving knuckle, a contact surface that can be inserted in a notch of the cam during an operation of opening the door, a compression spring, a support connected to the fixed knuckle and against which one end of the compression spring bears, and a part hinged to the support about a pin passing through the support and the part hinged to the support and constituting a moving part, against which the other end of the compression spring bears.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Oxford Automotive Mecanismes et Decoupage FinInventor: Francis Parizel
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Patent number: 6581244Abstract: A method and hinge construction for mounting to an item, such as, jewelry. An H-shaped mounting plate has two support legs for mounting to the item. The plate has a hinge pin pivotally receiving the Y-shaped end of a hinge component with the opposite end of the component securable to a clasp plate mounted to the item.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Abbeycrest PLCInventor: John Peters
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Patent number: 6581245Abstract: A foldable handle assembly includes a handle, two connecting devices, two resilience devices, two balls and two shafts. Each of the connecting devices includes a base and a projecting post wherein the projecting post has a first ball receptacle and a second ball receptacle and the base has a screwed recess. When the handle is operated such that the ball is inserted into the first ball receptacle, the handle is securely held in a first position, and when the handle is operated such that the ball is inserted into the second ball receptacle, the handle is securely held in a second position.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Yuchi Jen
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Patent number: 6581246Abstract: A grass trimmer adjustable handle has a two piece clamp with four bolts and four nuts for mounting and fastening to a grass trimmer main power shaft, and a rod end bearing with a threaded rod and a lock nut. The main handle has threads that match the threaded rod end bearing so that the handle can be adjusted in length to the desired height and reach, limited by the rod threads. The handle can be rotated on its axis and locked into position with the locking nut to fit the angle of the hand of the user, and tilts side to side for a better angle control of the trimmer in relation to the surface of the ground. The handle can move forward and backward in alignment with the main power shaft for better control of the height of the cutting head of the trimmer in relation to the surface of the ground.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventor: Robert Reid Polette
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Patent number: 6581247Abstract: A handle of an adhesive-tape cutter includes a recessed groove formed at a preset position of the handle, having insert holes preset in number formed around its circumference. A cover member is provided at a bottom side with a plurality of insert studs for correspondingly inserting in the insert holes of the handle. The cover member has a cover plate provided with at least one engraved groove on its faceplate for words, designs or a trademark to be embedded therein. A resilient covering covers up a preset portion of the handle and filled up the engraved groove. Words, designs or a trademark is embedded and protected in the engraved groove so they will not be worn out, fade in color or fall off.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventor: Hsiu-Man Yu Chen
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Patent number: 6581248Abstract: A card is equipped with a regulating drafting system at the card delivery arrangement. The measuring values for regulating the drafting system are obtained from the drafted fibre sliver. The sliver depositing device can be pre-controlled relative to the drafting system in order to keep the stresses in the fibre sliver between the drafting system and the sliver depositing device within limits. A fibre sliver storage device (11) is arranged upstream from the regulating drafting system (13) with relatively small capacity. In order to enable timely action if long term deviations are detected in the fibre sliver mass (m) delivered, a sensor (10) can be arranged between the card (1) and the regulating drafting system (13), and the base rotational speed (U14) of the drive (25, 26) of the regulating drafting system (13) can be adapted based on signals transmitted by the sensor (10).Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Rieter AGInventors: Christian Müller, Jürg Faas