Patents Issued in July 1, 2003
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Patent number: 6584697Abstract: The civil engineering elevation measuring stick for use in a laser elevation measuring system includes a primary pole with a top end, a bottom end at least four flat side walls. A top end cap, a bottom end cap are attached to the primary pole. A secondary tubular pole telescopically receives the primary pole. Bearings support the secondary tube for sliding movement relative to the primary pole between the top and bottom end caps. A laser beam receiver mounting surface is provided on the secondary tube. A measuring scale is fixed to the primary pole in a location that permits the direct measurement of the deviation between the elevation of a measured surface and desired grade surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2002Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Inventors: Joseph R. Guoan, Charles N. Woods
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Patent number: 6584698Abstract: An angle indicating apparatus includes a rod member, an indicia member, an indicator, a spring-loaded tumbler unit, and a locking unit. The indicia member is mounted pivotally on the rod member about a pivot axis, and includes a base plate formed with a generally semi-circular cutout. The indicator is disposed in the cutout and points to angle indicia that are provided on the base plate adjacent to the cutout. The base plate is further formed with a curved guide slot, and has a bottom side formed with a plurality of angularly spaced apart positioning grooves. The spring-loaded tumbler unit is mounted on the rod member and engages removably a selected one of the positioning grooves. The locking unit passes through the guide slot and is operable so as to engage the rod member and arrest undesired rotation of the indicia member relative to the rod member.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2002Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: P & F Brother Industrial CorporationInventor: Ta-Chang Liu
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Patent number: 6584699Abstract: A single pass, multiple stage, rotary drum heat exchange dryer (22) is provided for drying products such as distillers grains and includes a tubular shell (64) with a moist product inlet (66), an opposed dried product outlet (70), and an internal drying chamber (78). The chamber (78) includes a convection drying first stage (80), and conductive drying final curing stage (82) an intermediate stage (84); the stage (84) is subdivided into a plurality of preferably contiguous drying zones (86-92). The zones (86-92) include individual flighting assemblies (164, 214, 226, 234) which are of increasing density and present progressively increasing heat transfer ratios. Preferably, one of the initial zones has a heat transfer ratio of from about 1.5-2.5 ft−1, whereas another of the zones closer to the final stage has a heat transfer of from about 2.75-3.75 ft−1.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Ronning Engineering, Co., Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Ronning, Robert Kolb
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Patent number: 6584700Abstract: A dryer-cooler unit comprising a single vessel wherein drying and cooling occur. The unit comprises a rotary dryer and a stationary discharge hood. Cooling air is distributed through the discharge hood.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2000Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Feeco InternationalInventor: Walter Hawkins
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Patent number: 6584701Abstract: A system for drying particulate material in a drying hopper (DH) has a plurality of gas flow paths, one (FP1) of which extends from a compressed gas inlet (16) to a first sub-system (SS1) that includes a membrane dryer(MD) and a heater (EH′), whereby dried and heated gas is supplied to a lower portion (36) of the hopper, and another (FP2) of which extends from the inlet (16) to a second sub-system (SS2) that includes a mixing device (30) and a heater (EH). The mixing device uses compressed gas to induce a flow of gas from the hopper and mixes the compressed gas with gas withdrawn from the hopper. The mixed gases are heated and supplied to a second portion (34) of the hopper.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2002Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Novatec, Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Brown, John W. Doub, Jr.
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Patent number: 6584702Abstract: A metal plate (52) is connected to a wall (10). Plate (42) includes a vent opening (48) that communicates with vent ducting (18) with the wall (10). A magnetic sheet body (52) is connected to a vent tube (60) located at the back of a clothes dryer (64). The clothes dryer (64) is moved towards the wall (10) and the magnetic sheet body (52) is moved against the metal plate (42). A vent opening (54) in the magnetic sheet body (52) is put into alignment with the vent opening (48) in the metal plate (42). The magnetic sheet body (52) provides a seal between the two vent openings (54, 48).Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2000Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Inventor: Greg A. Irey
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Patent number: 6584703Abstract: The invention relates to a method by means of which the machine-direction moisture of a web being calendered or coated and calendered can be controlled in an optimal manner that takes into account moisture content changes along the entire path of the coating and drying process. Advantageously, all the dryers and the calender of the coater section are controlled in an integrated manner in order to obtain a controlledly processed product which is optimized in regard to energy consumption and product quality. Each process section and unit contributing to the drying of the web is identified by means of a mathematical submodel describing the specific evaporation rate in the respective process section/unit and, by chaining these submodels, a composite model is compiled for the entire process, whereby the composite model makes it possible to manage the drying operation in the process so that the individual units are controlled as a portion of the overall process.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.Inventors: Tapio Mäenp{umlaut over (aa)}, Vesa Ijäs
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Patent number: 6584704Abstract: A disposable, elastic shoe cover for protecting shoes against inclement weather conditions and sharp or abrasive objects. The shoe cover material may be translucent and does not significantly detract from the aesthetic appearance of the shoe. The elasticity of the material allows the shoe cover to hug the shoe to minimize slipping between the shoe and the shoe cover. The shoe cover has a front portion, a rear portion and a sole portion. The shoe cover comes pre-disposed in folded or rolled form and associated packaging which allows for convenient transport or storage of the shoe cover. The shoe cover may be pulled onto a shoe or may be in part unrolled directly onto the shoe.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2000Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Inventor: Susan March
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Patent number: 6584705Abstract: A shoe having a simplified construction includes an upper layer having a top edge and a bottom edge for enclosing a foot. An inner lining layer is joined to the top edge of the upper layer for providing comfort. A counter component is positioned between the upper layer and the inner lining layer for supporting a heel of the shoe. An outsole wall having a slanted inner surface for forming a cavity therein is joined to the bottom edge of the upper layer. An insole for supporting the foot is shaped to include a slanted outer surface for fitting within the cavity formed within the outsole wall. An outsole is joined to a bottom of the outsole wall and the insole for contacting the ground. In an alternative embodiment, the outsole wall includes a vertical inner surface for forming a rectangular-shaped cavity which accommodates a rectangular midsole filler layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Inventor: Cheng Kung Lain
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Patent number: 6584706Abstract: A shoe having an anthropomorphic sole that copies the underlying stability, support, and cushioning structures of the human foot. Natural stability is provided by attaching a completely flexible but relatively inelastic shoe sole upper directly to the bottom sole, enveloping the sides of the midsole, instead of attaching it to the top surface of the shoe sole. Doing so puts the flexible side of the shoe upper under tension in reaction to destabilizing sideways forces on the shoe causing it to tilt. That tension force is balanced and in equilibrium because the bottom sole is firmly anchored by body weight, so the destabilizing sideways motion is neutralized by the tension in the flexible sides of the shoe upper. Support and cushioning is provided by shoe sole compartments filled with a pressure-transmitting medium like liquid, gas, or gel. Unlike similar existing systems, direct physical contact occurs between the upper surface and the lower surface of the compartments, providing firm, stable support.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1993Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Anatomic Research, Inc.Inventor: Frampton E. Ellis, III
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Patent number: 6584707Abstract: An article of footwear is provided that includes a sizing apparatus to allow the shoe size to be adjustable by the wearer. The article of footwear in the form of a shoe includes a sole, an upper extending from the sole, and a sizing apparatus located within the upper, in which a sizing member is attached to the upper at the rear end of the shoe. The sizing apparatus may include a composite inner core, a detachment feature, and a dual selective fastening system. The inner core may be substantially enclosed in a lining. The sizing apparatus enables a user to adjust the effective length of the shoe to at least three effective lengths. A method of adjusting the size of the article of footwear is provided to make the shoe at least three effective lengths.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2002Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Bertrand Racine, Christopher D. Carle, Daniel A. Johnson
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Patent number: 6584708Abstract: The present invention relates to a membraneless piezoelectric/electrostrictive microactuator comprising: a chamber; a chamber plate in which the chamber is formed; a lower electrode formed on the chamber plate and covering the chamber; a bonding layer formed between the chamber plate and the lower electrode and bonding the chamber plate and the lower electrode; a piezoelectric/electrostrictive film formed on the lower electrode and vibrating when electrified; and an upper electrode formed on the piezoelectric/electrostrictive film, and a manufacturing method thereof, which is membraneless so that structure is simple so that manufacturing method is simple and production cost is reduced to effect eventually the productivity improvement, so also which produces effect of reliability and yield ratio improvement as it is membraneless so that there occur no deformation, crack or void at the bonding part of vibration plate and piezoelectric/electrostrictive film.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sang Kyeong Yun, Sung June Park, Dong Hoon Kim
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Patent number: 6584709Abstract: A system removes a pre-specified amount of material from a body of water to facilitate continued operation thereof. A particular embodiment envisions a sled-like device that, assisted with floats, suitable connectors and a hand winch may be positioned anywhere in the body of water. In operation, it is pulled along the bottom of the body of water at a pre-specified rate via a cable and winch affixed to a ground-anchored cable located on shore. The device is symmetric so that it may be pulled in either direction. At each end of the device is a scoop arranged to dislodge material on the bottom and transfer it to a central pump chamber from which an onboard submersible pump transfers it via a hose to a remote repository for further disposition. The system is compact and simple, both in design and operation, facilitating use and maintenance by existing operations personnel.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Courtland James Martel, Jr., Dennis J. Lambert
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Patent number: 6584710Abstract: A skid steer vehicle with sprung suspensions is configured to lock the suspensions whenever the operator manipulates a manual control that generates a signal to move the loader arms or the bucket of the vehicle. The operator control, such as a joystick, sends a signal to an electronic controller indicating that the operator has moved the control and is thereby requesting the loader arms or bucket to move. The electronic controller responds to this signal by moving the loader arms or bucket and simultaneously locking the suspensions.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Case CorporationInventors: Hong-Chin Lin, Peter J. Dix, Troy D. Bateman, Brian E. Felsing, Anthony J. Lamela, Daniel B. Shore
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Patent number: 6584711Abstract: Cleaning of dirty rectangular sheets of fabric must proceed through such steps as laundering, dewatering, drying, spreading, and ironing. At present, the spreading step remains yet to be automated and, therefore, must be manually carried out. Several methods and apparatuses are disclosed which enable a rectangular sheet of fabric to be spread by gripping the rectangular sheet of fabric at one corner thereof and another corner diagonals to the one corner and suspending the rectangular sheet of fabric in the shape of an inverted triangle and, after the edge of the rectangular sheet of fabric is deprived of a twist and is consequently straightened, gripping the rectangular sheet of fabric at an arbitrary corner and a point terminating an arbitrary width of an edge extended from the arbitrary corner and spreading the rectangular sheet of fabric by means of the grips. The methods and apparatuses enable the spreading step to be automated.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1998Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Tokai Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshizou Nakamura
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Patent number: 6584712Abstract: An improved display device is disclosed for holding an advertisement or the like in a card or sheet-like form upon a shopping cart. The display device comprises a base panel having a substantially rectangular body and a plurality of longitudinal slots formed therethrough, the slots extending across the body of the base panel in separate radial and tangential directions to provide multiple areas of access to the shopping cart wall for balanced mounting of the device. Each of the slots is further provided with a support post extending centrally across the width of the slot to provide support for the attachment to the shopping cart wall by means of conventional cable ties. A cover frame adapted to releasably engage the base panel around the periphery thereof is formed having a substantially rectangular outer configuration and a rectangular aperture through the thickness thereof to provide a viewing window for the advertisement displayed through the frame.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: FLOORgraphics, Inc.Inventor: Edward Magid
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Patent number: 6584713Abstract: A decorative lamp includes a base holding a lamp bulb and a motor drive unit, a rotary table supported on the base around the lamp bulb and rotated by the motor drive unit, an inner lampshade fixedly mounted on the rotary table for synchronous rotation with the rotary table, the inner lamp shade having a design of underwater scene on an outside wall thereof, and a magnifying transparent outer lampshade fixedly mounted on the base and covering over the inner lampshade to magnify the dimensions of the inner lampshade.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Inventor: Line-Yao Huang
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Patent number: 6584714Abstract: Optical display containing one or more shaped articles and a light source. The shaped articles consist of a transparent or semitransparent plastic. The plastic contains one or more fluorescent substances. One or more light sources are arranged in such a way that their light is applied to the surface of the shaped article at particular regions of it and propagates through the shaped article. The shaped article contains means for controlled light output, so that the light can be output from the shaped article in a controlled way at quite particular regions on the surface of the shaped article.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Bayer AktiengesellschaftInventors: Rolf Wehrmann, Helmut-Werner Heuer
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Patent number: 6584715Abstract: A door for automatic vending machine in which a door structure having an item sample display unit is,improved according to the invention. In the door for the automatic vending machine, a concave portion 5 of a large door 2 made by one press molding is available for an item sample display unit 3 in which the item samples 6 are displayed on each of three stairs, four fluorescent lamps 7 illuminating the item samples 6 and an advertisement 8 provided under the item samples 6 are installed, each of three lamps being provided on lower portion of the item samples 6 and the other one of the lamps being provided on uppermost portion of the item sample display unit 3, and circumference of the item sample display unit 3 is covered with a small door 4 made by a transparent material 10 and having a frame 9.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshiro Fujii, Takuya Koyanagi, Tsugio Hanyuda, Koji Hachii, Toshiyuki Horiguchi, Kenji Sakanoue
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Patent number: 6584716Abstract: A vandal and weather resistant sign is disclosed including a support plate having a plurality of regularly spaced rectangular openings and replaceable tiles carried by and fixed to the plate. The plate is adapted to be fixed to a mounting surface such as a utility pole or the like with the reverse face of the plate against the mounting surface. The tiles are fixed to the reverse face of the plate wherein indicia on the obverse face of the tile is visible through the plate openings. The edges of the tile are concealed and protected by the plate so as to make the tile edges less susceptible to attack by vandals.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Permar Systems, Inc.Inventor: David LeRoy Paul
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Patent number: 6584717Abstract: A photograph-holder substantially formed of a suitably folded punched sheet, comprising a substantially quadrangular framing face (4) provided with a window (1) and superimposed to a bearing face (10) which has the same shape and size and is contiguous to a reinforcing face (12) also having the same shape and size and a supporting face (7) interposed in a non-flat position between the framing face (4) and the bearing face (10), the framing face (4) being provided with two side flaps (2, 3) bent inwards and inserted between the bearing face (10) and the reinforcing face (12).Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Inventor: Giuliano Cinquina
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Patent number: 6584718Abstract: A locking mechanism for a firearm which includes a rod which is threaded at both ends and extends into the bore of a barrel of a firearm and into the firing chamber. At its proximate end, the rod engages a nut which expands the fingers of a collet that engages the chamber interior wall. At the distal end of the rod a lock is engaged. As the rod is rotated about its longitudinal axis, the fingers are expanded to engage the chamber wall.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2000Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Inventor: Anthony F. Serrao
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Patent number: 6584719Abstract: A firearm support cushion or insert for a lock assembly. The inserts are formed to accept and restrain the fore-stock and/or receiver of a variety of specific firearms, for example, pump and auto-loading shotguns and rifles. The inserts include surfaces and/or recesses that conform to the contours of predetermined portions of a firearm. Fastener mechanisms facilitate a detachable mounting of the inserts to the lock assembly and whereby a user can periodically adapt the lock to accept different types of firearms.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2000Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Big Sky Racks, Inc.Inventor: Ted Morford
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Patent number: 6584720Abstract: A device is disclosed which enables a scoped firearm owner to determine whether a scope has lost zero due to being moved or hit. A blank cartridge form is attached to a second scope by a bracket. To use, the rifle is first sighted in, then the blank cartridge form is inserted to the rifle chamber and the device is rotated around the chamber until a stop device protruding from the bracket touches the rifle scope. The rifle is then placed in a firm rest with the crosshairs of the rifle scope centered on a target at a known distance and the second scope then adjusted to indicate the same aiming point. If the owner is later unsure whether the scope has lost zero, a target can be set up at the same distance, the device again mounted to the rifle, and the two scopes viewed to determine whether the same impact point is indicated. If it is not, the rifle scope can then be adjusted to the spot indicated by the device scope.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2002Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Inventor: Wallace E. Johnson
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Patent number: 6584721Abstract: A decoy cover is disclosed for use with various animal decoys. The decoy cover is constructed from a flexible material having markings disposed on at least one side of the decoy cover that depict a species and/or sex of the animal corresponding to the decoy. In another embodiment, both surfaces of the decoy cover are provided with different species and/or sex markings. The markings on the opposing surfaces of the decoy cover are different from one another, allowing the user to reverse the decoy cover and change the species and/or sex of the decoy. The decoy cover can be used with decoy blanks to reduce the cost of the decoy. The decoy cover also revives the appearance of weathered decoys.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2002Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Inventors: Steve J. Reule, Jeff Kroger
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Patent number: 6584722Abstract: An electronic fishing information recording and storage device is disclosed. The device attaches to a traditional fishing rod and reel assembly and automatically records the number of casts executed with the subject rod and reel. For each fish caught, the device is capable of recording relevant information about the type of fish and weather conditions at the time of catch. Means are provided for transfer of fishing information to a traditional personal computer. The device provides a method for tournament fishing wherein the allotted time for each contestant to fish can be replaced by the number of casts allotted.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Inventors: Peter L. Walls, Scott L. Springer, Richard Dreher
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Patent number: 6584723Abstract: A pole handling apparatus includes a T-shaped base mount with a connecting member pivotally attached thereto. A cradle member is attached to the connecting member, and two securing arms are pivotally attached to the cradle member. The cradle member is secured to the connecting member via a pin, with the cradle member including a base plate with a pair of attached sidewalls. A central aperture traverses the base plate such that the pin may extend through the base plate to join with the mounting cylinder. At least one of the sidewalls includes a recession to receive and support the fishing pole. To secure the fishing pole in the pole handling apparatus, the securing arms are initially in an open position, and the fishing pole is inserted into the recession of the sidewall. The securing arms will pivot from the open position to the closed position as the fishing pole is inserted into the recession.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Keeper Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: James F. Elmore
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Patent number: 6584724Abstract: A fish landing net apparatus for facilitating landing of a fish without loosing the net. The fish landing net apparatus includes a housing having a perimeter wall. The perimeter wall defines an interior space. The housing is designed for securing to the user. A reel assembly is positioned within the interior space of the housing. A cable member extends from the housing. The cable member is coupled to the reel assembly whereby the reel assembly is for winding the cable member back into the interior space of the housing when the cable member has been extended from the housing. A landing member is coupled to the cable member opposite the reel assembly. The reel assembly draws the landing member back towards the housing when the user releases the landing member. The landing member is designed for facilitating retrieval of the fish when the user has reeled in the fish.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2002Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Inventor: Dennis D. Le Blanc
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Patent number: 6584725Abstract: More than one clips are attached to the handle section of a divided fishing rod. The clips can be permanently attached to the fishing rod or can be snapped onto the rod. The upper part of the clip is horseshoe-shaped and spring loaded inwardly such that the free end section of the fishing rod can be inserted into the upper part of the clip and held in parallel orientation to the lower, handle section of the fishing rod. The lower part of the clip can either be a base which is glued or molded to the fishing rod or can be another inwardly biased horseshoe-shaped clip. The lower part of the detachable embodiment can be snapped onto the handle section of the rod at at least two locations. When the free end section of the rod is attached to the upper part of the clip, the two halves of the rod are held in parallel orientation to each other. The upper part of the clip also has outwardly turned ears to enable easier insertion of the rod into the clip.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2002Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Inventor: Joanne Elam
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Patent number: 6584726Abstract: An inexpensive ergonomically sound hand-held device for removing a fish hook from a fish's lip, jaw, mouth or throat without removing the fish from the water or handling it in any way is disclosed. To remove a hook, the leader or line is pulled through a zero-width slit in the polymeric distal end. The slit expands during this process and then contracts, preventing the line or leader from exiting the device. There is no damage to the dressing of flies size 28 through size one. The released fish cannot be rehooked. The device is so simple to use that it works well even in the dark. It is injection molded from glass filled nylon, has a non-slip handle and is essentially unbreakable.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2002Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Inventor: Henry Christopher Dehm
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Patent number: 6584727Abstract: A live bait container for wade fishing and trolling comprises a hollow cylindrical shell with an integral bottom and a modified frustrum of a right cylinder forming the top. An access opening and cover assembly is disposed on the front face of the container. The container shall have a main and a top buoyancy chamber disposed to maintain the bait chamber submerged while keeping the access opening above water. The container's midsection, including the sloping back shall be plastic mesh. Other material used in the construction, except the access cover assembly, is generally of transparent plastic enabling the bait to be observed. The removable access cover assembly comprises a plurality of elastic strips with a retaining device on both ends that engage the container. Bait is recovered by reaching between the elastic strips. The container has a keel containing a handhold for carrying and a hole for a two line.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2002Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Inventors: Richard Frank De Shazer, James Kirby Smith
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Patent number: 6584728Abstract: A termite colony is treated with a termiticide by locating a bait station on or beneath ground surface, adjacent a building, to attract termites in the region. The bait station container holds nontoxic cellulose bait. An opening in the bottom permits termites' ingress and egress to feed on the bait within the container. An opening in the top permits termite activity within the container to be monitored without disturbing the bait within the container and permits a termiticide to be introduced directly into the soil and termite tunnel tubes beneath the container by passing a termiticide injection tube through the openings in the container and into the soil beneath the container. Preferably, the termiticide is a non-repellent termiticide, which is lethal to termites through ingestion, contact and/or transferal.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Inventors: Harold W. Aesch, Jr., Kenneth R. Chitwood
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Patent number: 6584729Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as flower pots. The sleeve may have an open or closed bottom. When closed, the bottom may have a gusset for allowing expansion upon the depositing of the flower pot into the sleeve. The sleeve has a detachable upper portion. The sleeve may have a bonding material disposed upon an inner or outer portion of the sleeve for attaching the sleeve to the flower pot or other item.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2002Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.Inventor: Donald E. Weder
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Patent number: 6584730Abstract: A flowerpot includes a shoulder adapted to be formed on an inner periphery of the second pot and a watering system provided to be received in the second pot and supported by the shoulder of the second pot. The watering system has channels to communicate an inside of the watering system with the inside of the second pot and a passage defined inside the watering system for receiving therein the nozzle of the pump. When the water is pumped out of the first pot by the pump via the bellow, the water is pumped inside the watering system and after the water inside the watering system is full, the water spills out of the watering system from the channels of the watering system to evenly water the plant in the second pot.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2002Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Inventor: Chuan-Liang Mai
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Patent number: 6584731Abstract: A window lifter comprises a cable, a window linkage driven by the cable, a fixed device and a cable redirecting device. The cable redirecting device is rotatably mounted on the fixed device and adapted to automatically lock onto the fixed device upon reaching a predetermined angular position. In addition, the cable redirecting device has a cable guiding portion which is not a figure of revolution about the axis of rotation relative to the fixed device. This window lifting mechanism provides a simple structure with few elements. Its assembly is also simple: the cable-redirecting device is rotatably mounted on the fixed device; it is thereafter rotated for tensioning the cable and then locked in a position where the cable is tensioned.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2002Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems-FranceInventors: Laurent Arquevaux, Pascal DeVries, David Lewicki, Jacky Mercier, Hong Vu Nguyen
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Patent number: 6584732Abstract: An inflatable object includes interior attachment points to opposing interior faces of the object and rope or cord connections between these attachment points. The opposing walls have interior faces which include attachment points adapted to be connected together by predetermined lengths of material, the arrangement being such that upon inflation of the device, the walls are held in position relative to one another by the lengths of material. The connection material between the inner and outer panels is a flexible cord-like material. However any appropriate material may be used. The attachment points are located on webbing strips attached to the interior face of each wall at a seam, provided with eyelets. In the preferred embodiment, the cords are maintained at an angle substantially or averaging substantially 90 degrees from the inner and outer surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Inflatable Image Technologies Pty. LimitedInventors: Chris Kinglsey Miller, Tom Zayit
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Patent number: 6584733Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing the blockage of an internal corner roof gutter (31). An opening is formed at the intersection of the two gutters (12, 13) and a rainwater head (30) with attached downpipe is fitted under the opening. The rainwater head can be designed to include an arcuate section (32) which extends between the two faces of the gutter.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Inventor: Rodney George Wade
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Patent number: 6584734Abstract: A locking ground hole cover is disclosed comprising a cover plate with a scissor-type apparatus suspended therefrom which apparatus can be actuated from above the cover plate. The apparatus allows for the locking of a hole by pulling the cover plate down into a sealed locked position with the hole mouth. Variations on the device are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2000Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Inventors: Larry Mihalicz, Orest Boyachek
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Patent number: 6584735Abstract: A building construction having a ventilated wall drainage system. The building includes a roof with a plurality of roof vents therein, a soffit, an attic space and an exterior wall construction. The wall construction includes an exterior wall covered with sheathing. The sheathing is in turn covered by insulation having a plurality of generally vertical channels therein which permit air to flow through the channels between the insulation and the sheathing of the exterior wall. The soffit is provided with a passage which is in communication with the channels in the insulation. Air is continually drawn through the channels in the wall construction, through the passage in the soffit and into the attic space to provide constant ventilation for the wall construction.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2000Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignees: Cobblestone Construction Finishes, Inc.Inventor: Dick A. Burton
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Patent number: 6584736Abstract: A foam-type acoustic panel is designed to be mountable on a stand having a shaft. The acoustic panel includes a main body portion. The main body portion has a first end, a second end, a front surface, a rear surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and first and second interlocking members. The first and second interlocking members define a multi-segment cut that extends between the top and bottom surface. The multi-segment cut includes a first end disposed at one of the front and rear surfaces, and a second end disposed interiorly of the other of the front and rear surfaces. The second end of the multi-segment cut defines an elongated aperture extending between the top and bottom surface for receiving a shaft of a stand.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Auralex Acoustics, INCInventors: Jeffrey E. Szymanski, Eric T. Smith, David R. Harbison
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Patent number: 6584737Abstract: A photovoltaic mounting apparatus for use with a solar panel includes a base element having an elongated upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is structured for engagement with a rooftop by being positioning underneath the shingles of a rooftop and secured thereto through the apertures of the upper portion and/or lower portion of the base element. One or more support elements extend perpendicularly from the lower portion of the base element. A front plate is situated upon the support elements and is parallel to the base element and structured for engagement with the solar panel.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2000Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Solar Strategies Development, Inc.Inventor: Donald Bradley, Jr.
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Patent number: 6584738Abstract: A concrete tensioning band is disposed on a surface of unhardened concrete and tensioned by being attached to a clamp disposed on the base, and then displacing the clamp by a drive mechanism disposed on the clamp. Such displacement serves to tension the band. Spacers are positioned between the clamp and the base to hold the clamp in the displaced state while the drive mechanism is removed and an anchor device is fixed to the band to anchor the band to the base. Then, the clamp is removed.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Leonhardt Andrä und Partner Beratende Ingenieure VBI GmbHInventors: Hans-Peter Andrä, Markus Maier, Dieter Sandner
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Patent number: 6584739Abstract: An access floor panel having an improved applied edge trim element comprising a panel base capable of being suspended above a subfloor surface, having a load surface for supporting loads, and a method for forming such an edge trim element. Affixed to the load surface is a covering comprising a top layer having a thickness and an underlying backing layer. The covering further comprises a wear surface with a central portion and perimeter edges therearound, the wear surface along the perimeter edges of the covering being etched to a depth that is less than the thickness of the top layer. An edge trim element, such as ink, is applied to the etched portion of the covering, providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the access floor panel.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Maxcess Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Alex Zeif
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Patent number: 6584740Abstract: A structural building system comprised of interconnected improved, frameless structural-load-bearing panel components, each panel component having front and back sections, an insulating core, integral symmetrical joinery, a thermal break, and at least one shear resistance connector. The panels are asymmetrical about one axis, and are designed to be directionally positioned with respect to the maximum anticipated shear force. The panel components interconnect to form frameless panel sections out of which the building system is constructed, which requires no exterior framing support members. The panel component and the resultant panel sections resist all three primary directions of force required of structural wall, roof and floor systems; the panel sections being yet stronger than the individual panel components.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2002Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Leading Edge Earth Products, Inc.Inventor: Grant C. Record
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Patent number: 6584741Abstract: A method for strengthening a truss having a principal rafter and a plurality of struts coupled to the principal rafter, defining a frame structure of the truss. The method includes the use of a bracket which is coupled between the principal rafter and one of the struts. The bracket includes a channel arranged to receive and mount the rafter therein. A strut anchor is coupled to the channel and extends outwardly therefrom for anchoring the channel on an outermost strut defining an end of the truss. The bracket provides torsional support and load bearing support between the strut and the principal rafter.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2000Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Fero CorporationInventor: Michael Hatzinikolas
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Patent number: 6584742Abstract: A wall panel includes an outer surface layer, an oriented strand board layer, and mounting channels. The outer surface layer includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and edges. The oriented strand board layer includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and edges, with the outer surface of the oriented strand board layer being attached to the inner surface of the outer surface layer. The mounting channels are defined along and between the edges of the outer surface layer and the oriented strand board layer, and define a region recessed from the edges of the outer surface layer and the oriented strand board layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2000Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Structural Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Lennard J. Kligler, Paul Murphy, Wolfgang Unger, Bruce Harrington
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Patent number: 6584743Abstract: A molded skirting board, crown molding, or other decorative moldings simulating natural wood millwork, and a method of molding a loose cellulosic mat, in a single pressing step, to provide one or more relatively high density, skirting boards without requiring preliminary pressing, or other pre-shaping step, such as scalping. The molded articles are molded in a conventional, multi-opening fiberboard press to produce multiple, interconnected parts in a single pressing step process, while achieving excellent transfer of mold detail (embossing fidelity) without visually noticeable fiber fracture. A corrugated or L-shaped, hidden stiffening/positioning member spaces the article from a wall or ceiling to simulate thick, heavier, natural wood millwork.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Masonite CorporationInventors: David Paxton, Steven K. Lynch
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Patent number: 6584744Abstract: A securing apparatus for a glass plate in a recess, especially a glass-ceramic cooking surface, is provided with easily removable components. The apparatus comprises a sealing frame; a holding frame connected to the sealing frame; a circumferential, permanently elastic sealing strip; and bonding. The sealing frame has an edge and is adapted to be positioned in the recess, lying on its edge. The holding frame is connected to the sealing frame and has an arm which supports the plate. The plate lies loosely without a secure connection to the holding frame with the permanently elastic sealing strip positioned therebetween. The sealing frame is connected non-positively, securely, and durably to the front surfaces or edge of the plate, and the sealing strip permanently prevents adhesive from leaking between the holding frame and the plate.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1995Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Schott GlaswerkeInventors: Bernd Schultheis, Stefan Hubert
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Patent number: 6584745Abstract: A building construction for floors including joists that have vertical, threaded, through-running holes for level-adjusting spacer screws, which protrude from the joist on its underside for adjusting the top side of the joist to a desired level, an elastic damping body being arranged at the anterior screw portion and having an outer part, which forms a resilient connection between the screw and the substructure, and an inner part, which is located inside a central hole in the screw. The inner part forms a resilient engagement element for cooperation with an inner support surface in the bottom part of the screw. An attachment element for anchoring the screw to the substructure extends through a central hole in the damping body. The cross section of the inner part is greater than the diameter of the bottom part.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Nivell System ABInventor: Lennart Johansson
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Patent number: 6584746Abstract: A masonry flashing system is disclosed which includes a laminate for flashing cavity walls and a hot melt adhesive composition for coating the surface of the laminate. The adhesive is selected for compatibility with a peel-and-stick installation and, thus, upon pressure activation, when the laminate with hot melt adhesive thereon is pressed against the rough surface of the masonry block, a durable bond is created. The laminate is a polymeric substate formed in part from a mixture of polyvinyl chloride and ethylene acetate carbon monoxide terpolymer and is reinforced by an embedded fibrous mat—either woven or non-woven. The system also includes a stainless steel drip plate with a hot melt adhesive coating. The drip plate adhesive coating enables the installer to accurately position the plate during construction and maintain the alignment thereof. Optionally, a foam layer is placed on the lower surface of the drip plate so as to improve the sealing of the drip plate to the brick veneer.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2002Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Hohmann & Barnard, Inc.Inventors: Ronald P. Hohmann, Ronald P Hohmann, Jr.