Patents Issued in July 8, 2003
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Patent number: 6588802Abstract: A two-part clamp-connected chimney flue tee. The tee includes an elongated main section which is detachably connected to a transversely extending bull, or snout section. The main section has flue pipe connection ends and an oval cut-out portion in its sidewall, generally midway between the connection ends. The periphery of the cut-out includes an outwardly flaring flange, for mating with a corresponding contoured end of the bull section. Hooks are mounted on the inner sidewall of the main section, on opposing sides of the cut-out. Lever-actuated clamps, having a U-shaped locking member, are mounted on opposing inner portions of the sidewalls of the contoured end of the bull section. In mating the two sections, the bull section is press-fitted over the flange surrounding the cut-out. A locking member on one side of the contoured end is engaged with a respective hook. Then, the lever on the clamp is snapped toward the adjacent sidewall, into a locked position.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Inventor: Fred G. Schukal
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Patent number: 6588803Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a p-trap 12 for commercial and residential plumbing systems wherein the p-trap 12 has an enlarged portion at 46 for receiving a drainpipe 20 and has a threaded port 22 to receive a pressure hose 16 for a dishwasher 14 waste line. Also disclosed is a deflection shield 24 disposed in operative connection to the threaded port 22 so as to direct waste water 50 downwardly away from the sink 18. The present invention 10 further includes a plurality of multiport PVC pipe fittings in various configurations to provide greater flexibility when plumbing.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Inventor: Robert M. Vila
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Patent number: 6588804Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a pipeline expansion joint, in particular the conditions of a pressure-balanced expansion joint. A sensor is positioned so as to sense one or more physical characteristics of a pipeline fluid flow. A signal generated by the sensor(s) is received by a suitably configured electronic controller. The controller, in turn, is connected to a flow control valve, that is movable between at least an “off” or “no-flow” position, and a flow permitting position, connecting a source of compressible medium and the volume confined between the two (or more) balancing bellows of a pressure-balanced expansion joint. An accumulator may also be provided, that may be connectable via the flow control valve, to the confined volume. The controller will be operably configured to cause the valve to be moved, in response to signals received from the sensor(s) that correspond to stored numerical data in the controller that represent different potential operating conditions.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Senior Flexonics, Inc.Inventor: David F. McGrath
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Patent number: 6588805Abstract: The present invention includes a pre-assembled, high-pressure coupling interface adapter for use with a non-threaded port of a female member. The adapter comprises a generally cylindrically shaped metal body including a central longitudinal channel and an inner and outer surface. The body includes an external segment having an external end and an internal segment having an internal end, the internal segment configured for receipt within the port of the female member. The inner surface of the body is configured to engage and secure one or more external features of a separate male coupling member. The present invention also includes a coupling assembly including a coupling adapter and a method for forming a female coupling assembly including an adapter.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Eaton Aeroquip, Inc.Inventors: Matthew M. Persohn, Terry L. Karl, Richard Faber, Todd J. Vogel, David S. Densel, Philip C. Van Riper
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Patent number: 6588806Abstract: A radially offset valve is mounted in a bypass passage that extends through two movable members that are jointly moved during coupling between two couplers. The valve is moved from a closed position in which the flow of a pressurized fluid through a flow channel of an outer tubular body is prevented from being discharged through a discharge passage, to an open position in which the fluid is permitted to flow to the discharge passage, thereby resisting fluid leakage to the environment during coupling.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Faster, S.r.l.Inventor: Massimo Arosio
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Patent number: 6588807Abstract: An improved quick-disconnect connector assembly for connecting hoses, having a female element for connection to a first hose and a male element for connection to a second hose. The female element has an axial bore having a sealing mechanism for sealably receiving a tubular portion of the male element. The male element further comprises resettable valve including a coil spring that extends into the bore in the female element and is retained therein by a U-shaped clip. The spring is sized to hold the male element axially within the sealing mechanism up to a desired inline pressure. When the pressure limit is exceeded, the male element spring is extended until the seal is broken, relieving the overpressure condition. When the un-sealing force has been relieved, the extended spring biases the male element back into sealing relationship with the female element, thereby automatically resetting the relief valve.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David H. Burke, Robert L. Farrar
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Patent number: 6588808Abstract: An apparatus (40,60) for aligning a rail conditioning system, such as a sanding system or a compressed air snow removal system of a locomotive. A source of light (50,70) is removeably and unmovingly attached to a conduit (44,62) of the rail conditioning system to direct a beam of light (53) toward a rail (46) to verify a location of impingement (56) of a spray of rail conditioning material (45,66). The source of light may be a battery operated laser pointer, and it may be attached to a fixture (48,72) that is removeably secured to the conduit. The fixture may be attached over an outlet nozzle (42,62) of the conduit, or it may be threaded onto the conduit in place of the nozzle when the nozzle is removed for cleaning and inspection.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: David A. Sheppard
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Patent number: 6588809Abstract: A latching device which comprises a cabinet door catch member and a cabinet probe member that is adapted to engage the catch member. The probe member includes a floating shaft that is disposed axially in a housing, and which includes a projection that is shaped and positioned to engage a groove in the catch member when the door is closed. Provision is made for automatic separation and opening of the cabinet door when the catch member is released by the probe member shaft. Release of the catch member is effected by a single smart rap on the outside of the door. The device is simple, reliable and economical to produce.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Inventor: Jay S. Derman
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Patent number: 6588810Abstract: A closing device with selective locking for closing a frame includes a roughly flat lid selectively applied to the frame, a lock connected with the lid, and a key which has a socket and an arm, one end of the arm carrying the socket. The lid has an opening for access to the lock by the key, the lock has a latch which cooperates with a catch of the frame, and the key selectively assumes, with respect to an opening, a locking position which the key can leave freely and in which the latch is trapped by the catch, and an unlocking position in which the key is trapped in the opening and in which the latch is disengaged from the catch. The arm and the socket of the key are roughly perpendicular to one another, and the arm is roughly perpendicular to the lid when the key is in the unlocking position.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: NorincoInventor: Jean-Jacques Monneret
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Patent number: 6588811Abstract: A magnetic door stop/latch contains a first magnet mounted on or within a door and a second magnet mounted on or within a structure opposing the door, such as a wall, door jamb, door frame or baseboard. When the door is moving towards the opposing structure, the magnetic door stop may used to prevent the door from slamming into the opposing structure by virtue of the repulsive forces of the magnets. The magnetic door stop/latch may be switched from repulsive configuration to an attractive configuration that holds the door in position.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Inventor: Edward B. Ferguson
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Patent number: 6588812Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method whereby the reliability and tamper-resistance of tamper indicators can be improved. A flexible connector may be routed through a latch for an enclosure such as a door or container, and the free ends of the flexible connector may be passed through a first locking member and firmly attached to an insert through the use of one or more attachment members such as set screws. A second locking member may then be assembled in interlocking relation with the first locking member to form an interlocked assembly around the insert. The insert may have one or more sharp projections extending toward the first or second locking member so that any compressive force applied in an attempt to disassemble the interlocked assembly results in permanent, visible damage to the first or second locking member.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Anthony R. E. Garcia, Roger G. Johnston
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Patent number: 6588813Abstract: A handle for a vehicle door has a control lever hinged to a connecting structure for connection to the door, and a detecting assembly for detecting the presence of a user's hand about to open the door; the detecting assembly having a magnetic aerial, which is housed inside the lever to detect the variation in a magnetic field caused by the user's hand nearing the handle, and is connected by a sliding connection to a circuit carried by the connecting structure and which supplies a presence signal to a control unit for releasing the respective lock upon reading an identification code carried by the user.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1999Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Valeo Sicurezza Abitacolo S.p.AInventors: Massimo Marcarini, Fiorenzo Savant
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Patent number: 6588814Abstract: A stationary frame is in the form of a box body by which mutually telescopic lateral extension frames are slidably supported, thereby providing a spreader which is light in weight and has no bent or torsion of the extension frames. Support of the extension frames by the support rollers mounted on the opposite ends of the stationary frame reduces the drive force upon extension or contraction of the extension frames, and provision of the rail and cushioning member between the extension frames and the stationary frame reduces the impact load applied on the extension frames when the spreader is hoisted down onto the container.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Ishikawajima-Harima Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Isao Miyazawa
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Patent number: 6588815Abstract: A gripping device for use in a transfer press machine includes a jaw assembly having an upper jaw member and a lower jaw member disposed in fixed spaced-apart relationship to one another. A piston-cylinder assembly includes a cylinder element mounted on the upper jaw member and a piston element reciprocatingly housed within the cylinder element. The upper jaw member is provided with a bore passageway formed therethrough that opens into the clamping space. The piston-cylinder assembly is suitably mounted on the upper jaw member such that the piston element is displaceable therein and extensible into the clamping space defined between the jaw members. Suitably pressurizing the piston-cylinder assembly effects a displacement of the piston element into the clamping space which is sufficient to clamp a workpiece between the displaced piston element and the stationary lower jaw member.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2000Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Legendary Engineering and Fabrication, Inc.Inventors: Gregory Shawn Paradise, Richard Allen Lock
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Patent number: 6588816Abstract: A modular gripper assembly having body with a yoke structure (44) defined at one end thereof and an actuator at an opposite end for reciprocally driving a piston assembly (58) within the yoke structure (44). A pair of opposable jaw members (49) having through-slots (48) formed therein are provided within the yoke structure (44) and coupled to the piston assembly (58) by a cam pin (47) so that at least one of the opposable jaw members (49) pivots when the piston assembly (58) moves withing the yoke structure (44). The jaw members (49) are removable and interchangeable.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2000Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: PHD, Inc.Inventors: Steven M. Moilanen, Bruce D. McIntosh
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Patent number: 6588817Abstract: A hand-held carrier for manually carrying parabolic skis and associated ski poles, the carrier having a double open-ended molded plastic receptacle having a bottom wall, first and second side walls extending up from the bottom wall and a partition wall disposed between the side walls. The walls of the receptacle define first and second elongated compartments each sized especially for holding a section of a parabolic ski and its associated ski-boot binding hardware. First and second molded plastic closures are pivotally coupled to opposing upper portions of the receptacle, for respectively closing the first and second compartments. The closures include integral handle sections which come together to form a single carrying handle when the closures are pivoted to close the compartments.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2000Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Inventors: Gregory L. Wadeyka, Kenneth Dennison
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Patent number: 6588818Abstract: An accessory-mounting assembly for mounting accessories at a distance from exterior surfaces of a vehicle. The accessory-mounting assembly is constructed such that it has a “break away” feature whereby an accessory-mounting component may pivot about a pivot axis when it is subjected to a substantial impact. Thus, the risk of damage to the vehicle, the accessory-mounting assembly, and the accessories mounted to the accessory-mounting assembly when the accessory-mounting assembly is subjected to a substantial impact is reduced. The accessory-mounting assembly includes four brackets that are fixedly engaged to exterior surfaces of the vehicle and from which the other components of the accessory mounting assembly are suspended. Three of the four brackets that are fixedly engaged to the vehicle are integrally engaged to one another.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventors: William Frazier, Jason R. Thompson, Matthew R. LaFontaine
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Patent number: 6588819Abstract: A molded truck shell is provided having side walls hinged along the top of the shell, thus allowing the entire side wall to pivot upwardly and outwardly, providing increased access to cargo stored in a truck bed. Additional lateral seams between the side wall and shell are located on the front and rear of the shell rather than on the side of the shell thereby further increasing the opening into the truck bed and creating a visually clean appearance. Water penetrating through the side wall hinge line is directed away from the interior of the truck bed by a moisture flange that conducts the water to the exterior of the truck.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Inventor: David C. Block
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Patent number: 6588820Abstract: A body mount for a vehicle includes a rebound cushion assembly in which a first cushion portion provides a progressive rate buildup to provide travel rebound control and a second cushion portion prevents an upper cushion of the body mount from hitting against the vehicle frame. A clamp member partially encloses the first and second cushion portions. The portions are preferably inner and outer rings interconnected by a thin membrane that allows independent action. The first portion is an elongated member always in compression that has a minimal impact on the system rate and loaded height and the second ring comes into selective contact with the vehicle frame to prevent the upper cushion from being lifted from the vehicle frame.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Cooper Technology Services, LLCInventor: Bernie W. Rice
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Patent number: 6588821Abstract: A multipurpose console for use in a vehicle having a support structure having an internal compartment, a latching mechanism being fixedly secured to a lower surface of the support structure and providing a method for releasably engaging a mounting member of the vehicle. The internal compartment has a lid pivotally secured to an upper portion of the support structure and moves between a first position and a second position. The lid covers the internal compartment when the lid is in the first position and the lid has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is pivotally secured to the lower portion for movement between the first position and the second position. The upper portion and the lower portion define a surface area for changing a child's diaper when the upper portion is in the second position. The internal compartment provides a plurality of storage areas for products necessary to facilitate the changing of the child's diaper.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Shawn T. Nichols, Sherry N. Phillips, Anton S. Wojcik, Nicole M. Mahmood, Frank X. Kreiling
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Patent number: 6588822Abstract: A tailgate seat apparatus includes a tailgate frame pivotally mounted to a pickup truck for movement between upright and open configurations. A top surface of the tailgate frame defines a seat recess for supporting a person in a seated position. A seat back is pivotally mounted to an inner edge of the tailgate frame for movement between an upright support configuration and a stowage configuration, the back support being nested in the seat recess at the stowage configuration for conventional tailgate use. Armrests are mounted to a front surface of the back support and may be selectively pivoted into front surface channels. The apparatus includes beverage holders and storage compartments.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Inventor: George Parker Duvall, Jr.
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Patent number: 6588823Abstract: A seat for a motor vehicle comprises a squab carried by a frame (31) and a back (54). The squab (31) is mounted for movement along a rail (21, 22, 23) from an operative position to a stored position remote from the operative position. The seat back (54) is pivotally mounted for movement from an operative position to a stored position. Part of the seat-back, when in the stored position, occupies space that was occupied by the squab of the seat when the squab of the seat was in the operative position. The seat may be mounted in a motor vehicle in such a way that part (55) of the back of the seat, when in the stored position, is substantially flush with part of the floor (53) of the motor vehicle to provide a load carrying platform.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventors: Anders Carlsson, Lennart Simonsson
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Patent number: 6588824Abstract: A convertible top for covering part of a passenger compartment of a land vehicle. The convertible top includes a retractable frame that retracts forwardly toward a permanent top section. The retractable frame is covered by a flexible cover and a rigid rear member moves longitudinally as the convertible top is moved between an extended and retracted position. The rigid rear member includes track followers that are moved in longitudinally extending tracks on the rear portion of the vehicle body. The retractable frame may be either a parallel bar expanding linkage, or telescoping slide supports.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: CTS Fahrzeug Dachsysteme GmbHInventor: Frank G. Neubrand
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Patent number: 6588825Abstract: A diverter for diverting rain water and inhibiting it from leaking into a cargo box of an automotive vehicles, such as a pick-up truck. The diverter is positioned below a front rail of a tonneau cover frame and includes a horizontal portion extending along the length of the front rail of the tonneau cover frame. A plurality of ribs in a top of the horizontal portion define channels for diverting rain water. The diverter includes a vertical portion coupled to the horizontal portion and adapted to be positioned adjacent to a storage container. Preferably, a width of the horizontal portion is such to accommodate a range of different sized storage containers.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Inventor: Donald G. Wheatley
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Patent number: 6588826Abstract: A hard cover is easily installed, removed, replaced, and inspected on the open bed of a pickup truck. The hard cover is a unitary thermoformed sheet material mounted on a rail frame assembly secured to side walls of the truck bed. The hard cover is hingedly connected by a bar fastened to the cover and extending into a slot of a bracket connected to the frame assembly. The bar is pivotal on the bracket to move the cover between open and closed positions over the bed of the pickup truck. The hinged connection of the bar to the bracket is released by manually disconnecting the bar from the cover, permitting the bar to be released from the bracket only after the bar is disconnected from the cover.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Inventor: Scott Arthur William Muirhead
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Patent number: 6588827Abstract: A protective cover (1) for motor vehicles, machines or the like for the preventive protection of the surface against abrasive or chemical emissions, moisture caused by condensation and waterlogging and penetrating moisture as well as against mechanical damage during parking, storage and transportation. The protective cover that optimally protects the entire surface, is adaptable to different and complicated surface shapes as well as to projecting and movable as well as accessible parts, can be handled easily and in a site-independent manner, can be used repeatedly, and guarantees the movement and the control of the object being protected as well as the temporary use of movable parts or of parts that are to be opened without damaging the protective cover.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Heinrich Heiland GmbHInventor: Rolf Heiland
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Patent number: 6588828Abstract: A drive system (10) operable to drive vehicle door functions comprises a drive member (20) mounted for rotation about a drive axis by a drive motor (12), a rocker (24) operable by the drive member (20), and translation means (16), (18), (22) operable to move the drive member (20) to a predetermined position on the drive axis.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems (UK) LimitedInventor: Sidney Edward Fisher
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Patent number: 6588829Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a power sliding door system having a power drive mechanism for propelling the sliding door and a power latching mechanism for latching the sliding door in a latched condition. The methodology provides enhanced monitoring and control of the power sliding door system to improve the operation of the sliding door in both the power-assisted and manual modes. The control methodology inhibits the operation of the power sliding door system in response to the actuation of any of the sliding door handles or if a fuel door is in the path of the sliding door. The control methodology also inhibits the operation of the sliding door system if a child guard mechanism is enabled. The control methodology includes an obstacle detection routine which detects obstacles in two directions of travel. The control methodology does not require the power drive mechanism or inertia to cause the latch mechanism to latch the sliding door in the latched condition.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignees: DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Atoma International Corp.Inventors: Richard L. Long, Robert M. Williams, Jr., Robert J. Faubert, Richard C. Kapes, Thomas L. McGettrick, Jason Abraham
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Patent number: 6588830Abstract: A tapered octagonal frame rail tip for use with automotive bumpers is configured to axially crush in a controlled manner in the event of a vehicle impact. The rail tip is tuned to carry a constant load while crushing to absorb a higher amount of energy than alternative crush modes. Body mounts for attaching front end sheet metal or other body components to the frame rail tip are configured to centrally align loading to avoid interference with the desired axial crush.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Robert W Schmidt, Nagappan Sekkappan, James V Legray, Forest Nine, Ralph L Beaufait, Seung-Jae Song, Kezia Pratima
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Patent number: 6588831Abstract: A reinforcing support structure for an automotive vehicle body having a sheet structure (10) including a pair of side sheet structures (11, 12). Upper stiffener (17) and lower stiffener (18) are secured to the interior of side sheet structures (11,12). Stiffeners 17 and 18 may have a cross-sectional shape as illustrated by stiffener (39) in FIG. 6. Stiffener (39) includes a mounting flange (41) and an opposed flange (42) which have free edge portions. Beads or curls (44,46) are formed on the free edge portions for reinforcement.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Inventor: Carlos M. Ochoa
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Patent number: 6588832Abstract: A vehicle front body structure includes a floor panel, front side members under the floor panel extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction, a sub-frame fixed at its front and rear fixing points to the front side members, and reinforcing members fixed to the floor panel. The rear fixing points of the sub-frame are located on transversely inner side of the front fixing points thereof. Each of the reinforcing members extends substantially in parallel to a straight line passing through the front and rear fixing points on transversely same side of the sub-frame. The front part of the reinforcing member is connected to a vicinity of the rear fixing point of the sub-frame and a rear part thereof is connected to a floor tunnel of the floor panel extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Wataru Sakuma
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Patent number: 6588833Abstract: A motor vehicle roof with an adjustable closing element for an opening in the fixed roof skin for alternatively closing or at least partially clearing the opening. The roof includes a sliding headliner located underneath the roof opening and the closing element, the sliding headliner being movable to at least one of cover and at least partially clear the closing element and the roof opening with respect to the vehicle interior. At least one electrically operated fan is integrated into the sliding headliner and is operable such that it blows air through the sliding headliner into the vehicle interior. Each fan on the intake side and/or on the exhaust side is provided with a filter to clean the air which has been blown into the vehicle interior.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbHInventors: Markus Strommer, Helmut Teschner
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Patent number: 6588834Abstract: A sliding roof device includes a housing disposed along at least front edge of an opening formed on a roof of a vehicle, a casing disposed along the housing, a driving force transmitting member slidably mounted and guided in the housing and driven by a driving mechanism and a sliding panel connected to the driving force transmitting member and being movable so as to open and close the opening by the sliding movement of the driving force transmitting member, wherein the casing is formed by a flexible raw material and a plural engaging portions which are displaced at least one of upper and lower and front and rear are formed on the housing, and wherein the casing is securely engaged with the engaging portions so as to be arranged zigzag.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kenji Maeta, Masaji Ishikawa, Akira Matsuura, Reiki Kawamura, Yasuo Oyama
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Patent number: 6588835Abstract: A controller of a sunroof for a vehicle structured such as to adjust a predetermined over flap amount S to be fixed in correspondence to a power supply voltage of a drive unit or an operating speed of a lid 3 in the case of temporarily descending at the over flap amount S from a fully-closed position, thereafter ascending and stopping at the fully-closed position.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignees: Ohi Seisakusho Co., Ltd, Asmo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshifumi Horiuchi, Osamu Kawanobe, Kimikatsu Okada
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Patent number: 6588836Abstract: A chaise lounge includes a support device fixed at the rear side of two side rods to expand the two side rods to hold a soft surface sheet. The support device has two pivot bases respectively secured on the two side rods and having a pivot opening. The two pivot openings are respectively combined with a long and a short support member pivotally connected and movable relative to each other. The long support member has one end pivotally combined with the pivot opening and the other end formed with an arcuate edge. The long support member has its upper edge bent inward into a horizontal bend edge for holding the short support member. When the long and the short support member are controlled into a straight line, they will force the two side rods to expand outward together with the soft surface sheet.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Inventor: Albert Chong-Jen Lo
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Patent number: 6588837Abstract: A chair is adapted to form a sitting surface and a sleeping surface and comprises a chair back and a seat. The chair back and seat are relatively movable to form the sitting surface and the sleeping surface. In the event that there are any questions related to this amendment or to the application in general, the undersigned would appreciate the opportunity to address those questions directly in a telephone interview to expedite the prosecution of this application for all concerned.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2000Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Scott A. Schultz, G. Brent Fagan
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Patent number: 6588838Abstract: A trim cover for use with a vehicle seat having an air bag includes an outer layer. The outer layer includes a front portion having first and second ends. The outer layer further includes first and second bolster portions connected to the first and second ends, respectively, and an intermediate portion connected to the first and second bolster portions at first and second bolster seams, respectively. The first bolster seam is configured to rupture upon deployment of the air bag. A first reinforcement panel is positioned adjacent the first bolster portion. The first reinforcement panel has a first end portion connected to the outer layer proximate the first end of the front portion, and a second end portion connected to the outer layer proximate the first bolster seam. A second reinforcement panel is positioned adjacent the intermediate portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2000Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Walt Dick, Jr., Steven E. Peck, Kurt W. Dettloff, John F. Whitaker
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Patent number: 6588839Abstract: A plane passenger seat has a storage compartment for a life vest and upholstery elements that improve the sitting comfort. The storage compartment is made up of at least one upholstery element. The life vest is received by the corresponding upholstery element as an integral part thereof. In this manner, the corresponding upholstery is replaced by the life vest so that the weight of the seat is reduced compared to conventional seats, thereby allowing potentially higher load capacities.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Recaro Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co.Inventor: Uwe Salzer
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Patent number: 6588840Abstract: A seat cushion cover (20) in combination with a sport seat cushion (22) includes a rectangular pocket (24) defined by a fabric upper panel (26) and a lower panel (28). The upper and lower panels (26, 28) are generally parallel to one another and are joined by side panels (30a,b) and an end panel (32). A fabric flap (34) extends from the upper panel (26). The flap (34) is adapted to retain the cushion (22) within the pocket (24) and provide for securing the cushion (22) on a stadium seat (54). The flap (34) foldably extends over an opening (33) of the pocket (24) and along a portion of lower panel (28). The flap (34) and the portion of the lower panel (28) are separated by a space for receiving the stadium seat bottom (56). The flap (34) is adjustably secured to the side panels (30a,b) with fasteners (42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52). A resilient band (36) provides tension to retain the cover (20) on the seat bottom (56) when it is in its raised position.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2000Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Inventor: Catherine Alberta Lombardo
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Patent number: 6588841Abstract: A gliding seating unit includes: a base; a seat positioned generally above the base; front and rear swing links attached to the base and seat, the front and rear swing links being constructed and mounted such that the seat is suspended from the base and is free to glide along a longitudinal path; and a locking mechanism attached to the base and seat. The locking mechanism includes: a first engagement member fixed to and below the seat; and a second engagement member pivotally interconnected with the base and configured to engage the first engagement member in one of a plurality of engagement locations. The locking member is configured such that, in the locked position, the second engagement member is raised to engage the first engagement member, and in the unlocked position, the second engagement member is lowered and disengaged from the first engagement member.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
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Patent number: 6588842Abstract: A backrest for a chair comprising a frame, a membrane and a back support member. The membrane, at least a portion of which is transparent, is attached to the frame and has a first body-contacting surface and an opposite second surface. The back support member is attached to the frame and has a support surface. At least a portion of the support surface contacts the second surface of the membrane, and at least a portion of the back support member is visible through the membrane from the first body-contacting surface thereof. In another aspect, a backrest for a chair comprises a frame having a pair of side members, wherein each of the side members has a lower section and an upper section. The upper section extends rearwardly and outwardly from the lower section so as to form a bowed section therewith. A flexible membrane is attached to and extends between the side members, and has a bowed section corresponding to the bowed section of the side members.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: William E. Stumpf, Rodney C. Schoenfelder, Donald Chadwick, Carolyn Keller, Timothy P. Coffield, Randy J. Sayers, Jeffrey W. Bruner, Eric Cammenga
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Patent number: 6588843Abstract: A chair control providing both articulating tilt motion and dual-ratio, adjustable, synchronized tilt motion. In a first aspect, the control can be configured as either an articulating tilt control or a synchronized tilt control. In a second aspect, the angle between the seat and the backrest may be selected by the user when the control is configured for either the articulating mode or the synchronized mode. In a third aspect, when in the synchronized mode, the angle between the seat and the backrest increases during forward tilt action to avoid “clam shelling.” In a fourth aspect, a forward tilt selector enables or prohibits forward tilting of the control.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2000Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: GHSP, IncorporatedInventor: Scott M. Ebenstein
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Patent number: 6588844Abstract: A chair has both a tiltable seat and a tiltable backrest mounted on a backrest support. The chair includes a pedestal mounted on a bottom of the tiltable seat. An eccentric disk is seated in the pedestal so as to be movable therein. A rod eccentrically penetrates the eccentric disk via a prismatically-shaped cross-section recess through the eccentric disk so that the rod is not movable with respect to the eccentric disk. A handle is connected on an outer end of the rod for use in turning the rod together with the eccentric disk. An arm is mounted on the backrest support of the tiltable backrest, wherein the rod is seated in the arm in a movable manner.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Sedus Stoll AGInventor: Thomas Stenzel
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Patent number: 6588845Abstract: An office-type chair which provides for synchronous differential tilting of the seat and back assemblies, with the seat assembly being constructed such that the front lip thereof does not significantly lift upon rearward tilting. The chair incorporates a tilt control mechanism formed by a control body which secures to the upper end of the chair pedestal and an upright which pivotally connects to the control body about an axis disposed forwardly of the pedestal. A pivot assembly connects the upright and control body together.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Haworth, Inc.Inventors: Larry A. Wilkerson, Richard N. Roslund, Jr.
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Patent number: 6588846Abstract: An adjusting armature for a back rest of a vehicle seat, wherein the back rest is incline-adjustable about a first axis and can fold relative to the seat part about a second axis, has a rotary bracket connected to the back rest for pivoting with the back rest. A locking bolt receptacle is stationarily arranged on the seat part and has a planar support surface. A locking bolt is axially moveably arranged on the rotary bracket and spring-loaded in a locking direction for engaging releasably the locking bolt receptacle. A stop bolt is stationarily arranged on the seat part and cooperates with a stop receptacle on the rotary bracket. The locking bolt has a guide section and a locking section having a radially changing support curve. The guide section can rotate causing the radially changing support curve to be supported on the planar support surface for eliminating play.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co.Inventors: Jürgen Arrenberg, Thomas Franzmann, Cornel Labuwy
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Patent number: 6588847Abstract: A chair has a chair body and armrests installed on the sides of the chair body. The armrests include arm supports and arm mounts, with the arm supports being attached to the sides of the chair body and the arm mounts being supported by the arm supports. Linking elements, or other suitable elements, are provided between the chair body and the arm supports or in part of the armrest for controlling at least the arm mounts so that they can move in a substantially regular path around a person in the chair, between a first use position, wherein the length direction of the arm mounts is nearly in the longitudinal direction of the chair body; and a second use position wherein the length direction of the arm mounts is nearly in the lateral direction of the chair body.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Kokuyo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tomokazu Murakami
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Patent number: 6588848Abstract: A moveable baggage restraint seat, is composed of a row of seat, two side restraint rods and a major restraint rod. An article accommodation space under above-said seat can accommodate baggage inside it and two sides of the seat each also arranges with a pivotal axis. The above-said two side restraint rods each has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is pivotally connected to the pivotal axis of two sides of the seat and each second end is connected to two ends of the major restraint rod. Because the two side restraint rods are pivotally connected to two sides of the seat and connected with two ends of the major restraint rod to form a movable baggage restraint rod, when the baggage restraint rod is rotated under the seat, the baggage restraint rod may restrict the baggage under the seat. When the baggage restraint rod is rotated above the seat, the baggage can be taken out and it is more convenient to clean the floor under the seat.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventor: Chung-Hsiung Cheng
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Patent number: 6588849Abstract: A juvenile seat assembly includes a seat bottom, a crotch strap, and a carrier coupled to the seat bottom for movement relative to the seat bottom. The crotch strap is part of a child-restraint harness included in the seat assembly. The crotch strap is coupled to and moves with the carrier. The carrier is lockable in a plurality of positions relative to the seat bottom.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.Inventors: Richard Glover, James M. Kain
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Patent number: 6588850Abstract: The present invention provides a slide rail construction for an automobile seat, which can realize an increase in strength. An automobile seat has a seat back for mainly supporting the upper body of a passenger and a seat cushion for supporting the legs of the passenger. Slide rails consisting of an outer rail and an inner rail are disposed between the seat cushion and a vehicle floor. An automobile seat is slidable with respect to the vehicle floor due to the slide rails. An upper rail of the inner rail is provided with a side part attaching bracket extending upward in a substantially vertical direction and a lower part attaching bracket extending in a substantially horizontal direction. A cushion frame of the seat cushion is attached by means of both of the brackets. In front of and near the side part attaching bracket, a buckle is attached.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventor: Takashi Matsuo
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Patent number: 6588851Abstract: A method of exerting a uniform force on bristle bundles in a clamp. Holes in a locking plate in a clamp are adjusted such that when the clamp is engaged, a specific force is exerted on the bristle bundles. The adjustment allows the holes to be displaced by different amounts for a given displacement of the locking plate.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Inventors: Kenan Bible, James Collins, Lloyd Etter