Patents Issued in July 29, 2003
  • Patent number: 6598313
    Abstract: The invention produces equipment for drying bales of forage comprising: at least one unit for generating hot air (30) channeled onto at least one pair of treatment units (A, B) stack one over the other, each having a rectangular bottom chamber (2, 5) and top chamber (4, 6), kept apart by spacing devices (40, 41; 60, 61; 103, 104) supporting the top chamber above the bottom chamber, and where one or more telescopic columns (A1, A2, A3; B1, B2, B3) set between the bottom chamber and the top chamber transfer the hot air from the bottom chamber to the top one. The bales are set in each treatment unit between the bottom chamber (2, 5) and the top chamber (4, 6) stacked in two layers so that they can be dried by the countercurrent flow of hot air. One or more of the telescopic columns (A3; A1, A2) is provided with shutoff dampers (20; 101, 102) suited to opening/closing the air flow from the bottom treatment unit (A) to the top treatment unit (B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Clim.Air. 50 Srl
    Inventor: Giovanni Beltrame
  • Patent number: 6598314
    Abstract: A new method and apparatus is provided for the cleaning and drying of a wafer. An IPA vapor is created using an ultrasonic nebulizer that can be operated at a relatively low temperature. The water and the IPA that is used by the cleaning and drying process will be heated and evaporated using energy supplied by a microwave source of energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Wen-Chang Kuo, Szu-Yao Wang
  • Patent number: 6598315
    Abstract: A nozzle arrangement in an airborne web-drying apparatus for drying a coated paper web (10) or the like. The nozzle arrangement comprises at least one overpressure nozzle (14), which is arranged to blow drying air both in the web's travel direction and against the web's travel direction. The nozzle arrangement comprises further a direct impingement nozzle (16) combined with the exit side and/or the entrance side (26) of the overpressure nozzle, in which direct impingement nozzle a plurality of nozzle slots or nozzle orifices (17) are formed in order to blow drying air mainly perpendicularly toward the web. The perpendicular distance (a1) from the nozzle surface (30) of the direct impingement nozzle (16) to the web is larger than the perpendicular distance (a2) from the supporting surface (32) of the overpressure nozzle (14) to the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Pertti Heikkilä, Richard Solin
  • Patent number: 6598316
    Abstract: A line for processing semiconductor wafers into integrated circuits (ICs) is provided with an input-output (I-O) chamber to help purge residual contamination from the wafers before they are transferred into a processing line. After a cassette containing semiconductor wafers is placed in the chamber, it is sealed from the line and from the atmosphere. Then a dry inert gas such as nitrogen is dispersed into the top of the chamber to form a covering blanket around the wafers to displace and sweep away contaminants such as air-borne particles, moisture and organic vapors. While the purge gas is flowing, gasses and residual contamination are exhausted from the bottom of the chamber at a relatively slow rate until an intermediate pressure level is reached at which pressure droplets of liquid from residual moisture and vapor can no longer condense. Then the flow of purge gas is stopped and the pressure within the chamber is relatively quickly reduced to a base operating value (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Hiroshi Ouye
  • Patent number: 6598317
    Abstract: Removable tap covers for dancing shoes which can quickly and easily be placed on the taps to prevent accumulation of dirt and grime in the taps, yet which can quickly and easily be removed to allow the full effect of the taps for dancing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventors: Jan F. Le Vine, Riley M. Sopko
  • Patent number: 6598318
    Abstract: A shoe including an upper, a mid sole permanently attached thereto, and an outer sole releasably engaged with the mid sole. The outer sole and mid sole are secured together by a fastener and by a retaining lip. The fastener can be disposed in a capture position wherein the spaced apart lip precludes separation of the mid sole and outer sole. Upon disposing the fastener in a release position, the mid sole can be separated from the outer sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Caroline Lillian Rouben
  • Patent number: 6598319
    Abstract: An insole of a sheet material of polymeric foam material having two openings therein corresponding to a portion of the heel and a portion of the arch. The openings are filled with a polymeric gel composition having a tacky bottom surface to assist holding the insole in place and for the removable attachment of a polymeric gel arch cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Spenco Medical Corporation
    Inventor: John C. Hardt
  • Patent number: 6598320
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a midsole assembly for footwear which includes medial and lateral unsymmetrical stabilizing pods disposed between shock absorbing upper and lower deflectable plates positioned at the heel portion of the midsole. The upper plate is adapted to engage the bottom surface of the midsole and includes an axially aligned, concave segment which is resiliently deflected upon the imposition of force thereon by the user's foot. The bottom plate includes a deflectable concave segment which is adapted to engage the deflectable segment of the upper plate and be urged downwardly upon the imposition of force upon the upper plate by the user's foot. The medial and lateral stabilizing pods are mounted between the upper and lower plates along the medial and lateral sides of the heel portion of the midsole and are respectively adapted to dynamically respond to the forces imposed on the medial and lateral sides of the heel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: American Sporting Goods Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome A. Turner, Ralph Serna
  • Patent number: 6598321
    Abstract: A removable insole for insertion into footwear, includes a lower layer made of a viscoelastic gel and including a lower surface, an upper surface, a toe portion, a heel portion and a medial arch portion interconnecting the toe portion and the heel portion, a first recess formed in the lower surface of the toe portion and a second recess formed in the lower surface of the heel portion, each recess having a peripheral side wall and a top wall, a plurality of thin, parallel, spaced apart sinusoidal wave shaped spring walls formed from the viscoelastic gel and connected to the top wall and the peripheral side wall in each recess, and the spring walls having lower edges generally coplanar with a lower surface of the toe portion and heel portion which is in surrounding relation to the respective recess; and a top cover secured to the upper surface of the lower layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Schering-Plough Healthcare Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Laura Crane, Richard Avent, Donald Barry Thompson
  • Patent number: 6598322
    Abstract: A shoe having at least one elongated shape memory alloy element and an electric circuit which when energized will produce a tightening of the shoe upper around the foot of a wearer. In a preferred embodiment, the shoe in one of a pair of golf shoes and the circuit in the shoe is energized by a switch in the heel that is turned on by the golfer clicking his heels together. Typically the golfer does this prior to each important swing of a golf club. A battery contained in the shoe provides a power source to produce a current in the circuit that heats the shape memory alloy causing it to reduce its length providing the tightening of the shoe uppers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Cymer, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert N. Jacques, Marco Giovanardi, Huckleberry B. Dorn
  • Patent number: 6598323
    Abstract: A thin, non-metallic toe protector comprising short particles and method of making same. The particles are preferably less than 0.25 inches long. The preferred toe cap has a thickness of preferably less than 0.165 inches and a reinforcing matrix. The toe protector meets or exceeds national safety standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventors: Robert M. Gougelet, Miguel A. Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 6598324
    Abstract: A bowling shoe construction having various options for adjustment with removable and replaceable slide parts to attach to the tread surface of a slide shoe. The slide parts can attach interchangeably using hook and pile loop fasteners. A kick shoe includes an interchangeable kick part covering the toe area. The kick part can be attached using adhesives or hook and pile loop fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: American Bowling Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Tatsuo Tsuji
  • Patent number: 6598325
    Abstract: A mobile machine for clearing ballast from a ballast bed section wherefrom a tie has been removed comprises a machine frame extending in a longitudinal direction, undercarriages supporting the machine frame for mobility on a track supported on the ballast bed, and a ballast clearing device vertically adjustably mounted on the machine frame for clearing ballast from the ballast bed section. The ballast clearing device comprises an inner ballast clearing element arranged on the gage side of at least one rail and pivotal by a pivoting drive in a plane extending transversely to the longitudinal direction about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction, and an outer ballast clearing element vertically adjustable by a vertical adjustment drive independent of the inner ballast clearing element and arranged on the field side of the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Herbert Wörgötter
  • Patent number: 6598326
    Abstract: A livestock tag locking system device, including a male component (1) and a female component (8), wherein the male component (1) has a face (3) onto which indicia may be applied and a stem (4) equipped with a tip (5). The stem (4) is made of a relatively soft plastic material and the tip (5) is made of a relatively hard plastic material. The female component has a cup portion (11) equipped with a retaining ring (14). The cup portion (11) is made of a relatively soft plastic material and the retaining ring (14) is made of a relatively hard plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Os Husdyrmerkefabrikk A/S
    Inventor: Egil Wikan
  • Patent number: 6598327
    Abstract: A mobile advertising system including a vehicle and a support structure mounted on the vehicle. The support structure extends substantially from the cab of the vehicle to the rear end of the vehicle and houses at least one light source. At least one translucent display panel is mounted to the support structure so that the light source illuminates the display panel from behind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Henryk Strzeletz
  • Patent number: 6598328
    Abstract: A lighted sign housing is provided having a sign face with both light-transmissive portions and light-blocking portions; and a reflective film applied to at least a portion of the light-blocking portions toward the interior of the sign housing. A method of using the reflective film is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ellen O. Aeling, Frank L. Deyak, Sanford Cobb, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6598329
    Abstract: A tactical weapon includes a firearm assembly that is for firing ammunition. The firearm assembly has a stock member. The stock member is for facilitating supporting of the firearm assembly by a user. The stock member has a butt portion. The butt portion is coupled to a main portion of the stock member such that the butt portion is selectively positionable with respect to the main portion of the stock member. The butt portion is for permitting the user to position the firearm assembly around an object. A handle member is coupled to the firearm assembly. The handle member is selectably positionable with respect to the firearm assembly such that the handle member is for permitting the user to position the firearm assembly around the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: James M. Alexander
  • Patent number: 6598330
    Abstract: The present invention relates to hardware used to secure slings to firearms. In particular, to hardware used to secure slings to firearms like that of the M16A2 and M4 Carbine that are fitted with a Picatinny type rail and collapsible buttstock. A wedge/yoke assembly is used to secure an end of a sling to the firearm on a rail and a rotational ring assembly is used to secure an end of a sling to the extension tube of the lower receiver. Both assemblies are designed to be installed quickly without the use of tools and without modification to the firearm. This hardware provides for ambidextrous attachment of a tactical sling to the firearm giving the user a “hands free” capability and allowing for engagement of targets when firing from a “weak hand” posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventors: Robert Hudson Garrett, Sandy Alexander Garrett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6598331
    Abstract: A shotgun sighting device and method for sighting a shotgun with the eye of a gunner that is opposite the gun mounting shoulder of the gunner. The device is comprised of a linear sighting plane mounted by a plurality of bracket members to the barrel of a shotgun. The sighting plane has elongated mounting slots and for receiving mounting bolts for adjustably mounting the sighting plane to the bracket members in a position that is adjustably offset both horizontally and vertically from the barrel of the shotgun. The device provides a sighting plane for the gunner that is in alignment with the eye of the gunner that is opposite the gunner's gun mounting shoulder and thus provides a shotgun sighting aid for gunner's having impaired vision in their customary sighting eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: John R. Thibodeaux
  • Patent number: 6598332
    Abstract: A riflescope capable of distance adjustment without arm stretching with improved precision and operability during a distance setting operation comprising a distance adjustment unit 30 equipped with a distance adjustment lens 31 disposed between an object lens and an erector lens 60. The riflescope can also have a distance adjustment unit 10 equipped with a distance adjustment ring 11 disposed in the vicinity of an eyepiece tube 3 equipped with an eyepiece optical system. The riflescope can also have a connector 50 which connects together distance adjustment unit 30 and distance adjustment operation unit 10. The riflescope is capable of distance adjustment by operation of a distance adjustment operation ring 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Hakko Co., LTD
    Inventor: Ubao Jibiki
  • Patent number: 6598333
    Abstract: A scope mounting system includes a one or two-piece base and a plurality of scope support assemblies. Mating portions of the base and scope support assemblies have parallel v-notches engaged with parallel flat lands to set the position of each support assembly relative to the sighting direction of a weapon to which the base is attached. The “flat land to v-notch” interengagement guarantees that the flat portions of all v-notches will engage one another to prevent movement along the weapon's sighting direction. Each scope support assembly clamps to the base in a way that prevents movement thereof in a two-dimensional plan perpendicular to the weapon's sighting direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Zeroed Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Randazzo, David R. Brewer
  • Patent number: 6598334
    Abstract: An asymmetrical conical strainer-scoop adapted for clearing ice chips, ice chunks, and other debris from a hole cut through ice covering a body of water. The asymmetrical conical strainer-scoop includes a perforated asymmetrical conical device of a unique design (30), comprised of a flexible and durable material such as UHMW polyethylene in sheet form, which is perforated with a plurality of straining apertures (20), and which is attached to one end of a handle (10), by means of conventional fasteners (22), (24), (32). The handle (10), has a hole (14) bored to provide means for attachment of a wrist-hanger strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Mark Ronald Edevold
  • Patent number: 6598335
    Abstract: The present invention provides an object catcher including a support shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a sheet portion arranged adjacent to the distal end of the support shaft. The sheet portion defines a periphery. The object catcher further includes a line having a first end portion and a second end portion and an intermediate portion between the first and second end portions. The intermediate portion of the line is slidably coupled to the periphery of the sheet portion, and the first and second end portions extend generally in parallel with the support shaft. With this construction, pulling the first and second end portions of the line in the direction from the distal end to the proximal end of the support shaft causes the periphery of the sheet portion to be gathered to thereby close the sheet portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventors: Michael Akhtar, Usha Kiran
  • Patent number: 6598336
    Abstract: A molded retainer system for fishing lure dressings and accessories. In an integral retainer construction, a headpiece and stem piece are separated by a recess space along the stem piece that supports desired dressings, for example, banded or roll-up multi-stranded skirts, scent collars and/or rattles. The headpiece can include fringed edges, filaments with interconnected rattles or bristled weedguards. In a two-piece construction, a detachable stem piece is shaped to plug mount to a cavity at the headpiece. A variety of different lure dressings can be fitted to the stem-piece prior to being re-mounted to the headpiece. A multi-stranded skirt having a series of protrusions at each strand is also disclosed that can be fitted to the retainers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Skirt Plus, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald J. Link
  • Patent number: 6598337
    Abstract: A lure for bees which is utilized during a rescue attempt. The lure is activated by the rescuer and tossed a short distance away from the attack site to draw the attacking bees, together with newly arriving bees, away from the victim and the rescuer. The lure is equipped with a variety of devices designed to attract the bees, including, but not limited to: noise attraction, chemical attraction, and motion attraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Mark E. Ogram
  • Patent number: 6598338
    Abstract: A plant watering device (10) having user-selectable water delivery apertures (18). The plant watering device comprises a dispenser (22) for insertion into a soil (12) surrounding a plant (16). The dispenser is divided into a plurality of zones (28, 30, 32) and defines a chamber (26) for receiving water from a reservoir (46) defined by a container (48) engagable with the dispenser via a receiver (50). Each zone corresponds to a particular type of soil with which the plant watering device may be used and contains a plurality of the apertures. Each aperture includes a removable seal that allows a user to selectively activate that aperture. To use the plant watering device, a user determines the type of soil with which the device will be used and then removes at least one of the removable seals from the apertures within the zone most closely corresponding to the soil type determined by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: America's Gardening Resource, Inc.
    Inventors: Melvin H. Buss, Frank F. Oliver
  • Patent number: 6598339
    Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a system and method for growing strawberry plants for transplanting. The system of the invention includes elevated gutters containing soil-less rooting medium for growth of mother plants, wherein the gutters are separated from one another by no more than 30 centimeters at their centers, drip tubing, hanging trays to root daughter plants, and means for extending the photoperiod of the mother plants. The method of the subject invention includes growing strawberry plants for an extended photoperiod in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: University of Florida
    Inventors: Eric Bryan Bish, Daniel James Cantliffe, Craig Kellman Chandler
  • Patent number: 6598340
    Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system including a flexible floral sleeve having a base portion and a skirt portion, and optionally an upper detachable portion which may be sized to surround a plant disposed in a flower pot. The base portion is generally made from two flat panels substantially free of overlapping portions and the skirt portion has a plurality of overlapping portions which allow the skirt portion to expand outwardly from the upper end of the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter
  • Patent number: 6598341
    Abstract: A cover for covering a floral container such as a flower pot, the cover having a lower portion constructed from an elastic material which can be stretched about the bottom of a floral container, to secure the cover about the floral container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 6598342
    Abstract: A decorative assembly for supporting a floral grouping utilizes a shape sustaining floral holding material, a sheet of material and a band. The decorative assembly is formed by a method which includes the steps of forming the sheet of material about at least a portion of the floral holding material with a forming device such that an upper end of the floral holding material remains substantially uncovered, and thereafter securing the sheet of material about the floral holding material with a band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 6598343
    Abstract: A plant packaging method providing a tubular sleeve having excess material therein and attaching the sleeve to a potted plant via a bonding material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 6598344
    Abstract: A plant packaging method providing a tubular sleeve having excess material therein and attaching the sleeve to a potted plant via a bonding material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 6598345
    Abstract: A window regulator mechanism for a motor vehicle door providing ready adjustability to accommodate manufacturing tolerances in the door glass guide channels receiving the side edges of the window glass or, in the case of a sashless door, to accommodate manufacturing tolerances in the seal carried by the vehicle body. Adjustability is provided by a cam member which is rotatly mounted on carrier plate of a carrier assembly and which coacts with a follower surface on a glass clip mounted on an upper edge of the carrier plate. The follower surface is provided as a cutout in a lower edge of a stabilizer portion of the glass clip whereby the stabilizer portion serves not only to preclude cocking of the glass clip relative to the carrier plate but also to provide the cam follower surface for coaction with the cam member carried by the carrier plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Hi-Lex Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeki Arimoto, Brian D. Williams
  • Patent number: 6598346
    Abstract: A device for turnable windows including a frame having a first side face and a second side face, each of the side faces of the frame including a longitudinal groove; a casement having a first edge side face and a second edge side face, the casement being pivotally mounted within the frame by pivots positioned at mid-points of the casement and a link-arm mechanism extending between a respective pivot and the frame, each of the first edge side face and the second edge side face including a first guide bushing and a second guide bushing. The first and second guide bushings of each of the edge side faces travel in a respective one of the grooves. A rotatable lever simultaneously extends or retracts one of the pair of first guide bushings or the pair of second guide bushings into or out of engagement with their respective grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Hans Öhman
  • Patent number: 6598347
    Abstract: Each corner portion is formed between straight-lined portions so as to connect them. Each of the straight-lined portions has a trim portion having a substantially U-shape in section and a hollow seal portion. The corner portion has a molded trim portion and a molded hollow seal portion. The molded trim portion is formed of a hard material with predetermined hardness and flexibility so as to have a substantially U-shape in section. The molded hollow seal portion is composed of a soft material. The opening width between opposite side walls of the molded trim portion is formed to be narrower than the opening width between opposite side walls of the trim portion. Further an opening portion for drawing out a forming core member is formed at an edge of the molded hollow seal portion. Then, a flap portion is provided for abutting against the outer surface of the molded trim portion. Notch portions for facilitating the elastic deformation of the flap portion are formed in portions of the flap portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsukasa Hattori
  • Patent number: 6598348
    Abstract: A sealing profile for securing to a motor vehicle component, more particularly to a frame of a door in the region of the C-pillar includes an insert provided for preventing prohibitive deformations of the sealing profile. The insert has at least one elastically deformable detent for securing to the motor vehicle component and at least one supporting plate for stiffening the sealing profile, the supporting plate being formed integral with the detent in one piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Metzeler Automotive Profile Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Dirk Palicki
  • Patent number: 6598349
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for joining the ends of a weatherstrip from inside a channel section of the weatherstrip. A v-shaped fastening clip has a plurality of teeth extending therefrom and the orientation of the teeth can be altered to securely grip both ends of the weatherstrip. The v-shaped clip may also have a structural frame depending from it to define a w-shaped configuration. The w-shaped configuration provides flexural rigidity to the spliced section of the weatherstrip and additional strength and rigidity that is particularly useful for heavy components. The method comprises inserting the fastening clip (either the v-shaped or w-shaped configuration) into the first end of the weatherstrip and then inserting the fastening clip into the second end of the weatherstrip. The teeth of the fastening clip are then re-oriented to mechanically grip the weatherstrip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Cooper Technology Services, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathon H. Balbaugh, Casey R. Gill, Gregory J. Grudzinski, Steven A. Ingraham
  • Patent number: 6598350
    Abstract: A structure for reinforcing doorjambs wherein first and second reinforcement plates (32 and 42) are located between the doorjamb (16) and the structure frame (34). Reinforcement plates (32 and 42) are arranged in overlapping fashion and are provided with respective bolt holes (26 and 48) that are in registry with a bolt hole (26) of the doorjamb (16). The overlapped reinforcement plate structure provides improved strength and greater flexibility for ease of installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Paul J. Suter
  • Patent number: 6598351
    Abstract: A telescopic seating riser assembly capable of being configured into a variety of seating riser systems. The assembly has a plurality risers having vertically spaced substantially horizontal portions with the risers being movable between an extended position for use and a retracted position for storage. The assembly is further constructed to support deck bridging panels between spaced apart pairs of assemblies, and to utilize a method of supporting at least one deck bridging panel on a pair of spaced apart telescopic seating riser assemblies in an extended position for use and in a retracted position for storage of the assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Stageright Corporation
    Inventor: Edwin A. Hallberg
  • Patent number: 6598352
    Abstract: An elongated strip of extruded plastics material includes a vertical rear plane adapted to seat on the rear portion of a gutter-hanging bracket. The rear vertical plane integrally connects to a second forward extending plane that joins, by means of an underlying u-shaped channel, a v-shaped perforated third plane that forces water to pool and drop through the perforations. The third plane joins, by means of an underlying u-shaped channel, a flange that projects outwardly for retaining the strip to a gutter. A filter configuration comprised of a debris repelling membrane, overlying a skeletal structure of ellipsoid rods spaced and resting on vertical planes, serves to break the forward flow of water and to channel water onto and through its integral perforated horizontal plane. The filter configuration is readily inserted into the u-shaped channels existing on the forward and rear edges of the v-shaped perforated third plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Edward A. Higginbotham
  • Patent number: 6598353
    Abstract: A ridge seal molding has a back section for nailing to a ridge beam, and a front section formed at an angle to the back section and having a shape in the direction of the length to substantially continuously contact adjacent tiles along a front edge. In various embodiments there are one or more reinforcing ribs in the general direction of the width of the molding. In some embodiments two or more nail positions are marked in the back section for use with roofs of a specific pitch range, UV resistant material to provide improved durability, a receptacle groove formed along the front edge and opening downward toward the tile, such that a sealing material may be placed in the groove prior to installing the ridge seal molding to a roof ridge, and panels simulating a concrete surface for a mudded-in look.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: So-Lite Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Norman Reeves
  • Patent number: 6598354
    Abstract: Transportable living quarters includes a main frame supporting a main living area and a slide out room which slides between an extended and retracted position relative to the main living area. An extendable member is mounted on the main frame and is rigidly connected to the slide out room floor, so that the weight of the slide out room is transferred from the floor of the main living to the extendable member as the slide out room slides between the retracted and extended positions. In one embodiment of the invention, the floor of the slide out room is leveled with respect to the floor of the main living area when the slide out room is moved to the extended position by bending of the extendable support member in response to the weight transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: VT Holdings II, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick W. McManus, James E. Dewald, Jr., Martin P. McManus
  • Patent number: 6598355
    Abstract: An anti-stacking system for an operable wall includes a guide rail mounted on or adjacent to the track so that the guide rail is engaged by panel orienting members attached to the trolley bolt. The guide rail may be mounted on the track or to the track suspending brackets. In a preferred embodiment, the guide rail is integral with the track. Panel orienting members that engage the guide rails are mounted to the bolts of the trolleys, which bolts in turn are fixed rotationally to the panels. At designated areas in the room, the track is free of the guide rail to allow stacking of the wall panels when not in use. In wall forming areas, the panel orienting members engage the guide rails so as to cause the trolley bolts, and thus the panels, to be properly rotated into a proper wall-forming arrangement and to remain in the wall forming arrangement until moved to a storage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Modernfold, Inc.
    Inventor: N. Douglas Owens
  • Patent number: 6598356
    Abstract: A roofing ventilation system for a metal building. The system includes a compressible seal between a corrugated sheet metal roof and a roof vent of the system. Further, the present invention utilizes an insulating block having venting capability in order to allow moisture and hot air in the roofing system to escape, thereby reducing corrosion of the metal roof and deterioration of the insulating ability of the insulation material. In one embodiment, the system includes a shield between the insulating vent block and insulation material, such that insulation adjacent a compressed area of material does not obstruct the air passages of the insulating block. In one embodiment of the present invention, the compressible seal is a sealing strip that conforms to the profile and shape of the corrugated roof. The sealing strip is formed from an open-celled foam material and has a plurality of slits to provide an environmental barrier across the length of the corrugated roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Cor-A-Vent, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Sells
  • Patent number: 6598357
    Abstract: A composite roof form includes first, second and third upright building walls laterally connected to define an interior building space, wall upper end segments of the at least a first upright building wall, a second upright building wall and a third upright building wall; the interior building space containing a building floor; a beam having an inward beam a beam upper segment and having a recessed horizontal lip portion along the bottom of the beam upper segment facing and substantially parallel with an opposing the wall, the beam upper segment defining a fourth roof form side wall; and a roof form support structure comprising at least one support leg extending from the building floor upwardly along the opposing wall to substantially the bottom of opposing second wall upper end segment and including a support panel having a panel connected end joined to the support leg and a panel engaging end with a panel upper surface and with a lip portion engaging structure resting on and supported by the lip portion, so
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Wallace D. Sanger
  • Patent number: 6598358
    Abstract: Aerogel particles, in particular in the form of composite materials, are used to deaden structure-borne and/or impact sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Cabot Corporation
    Inventors: Fritz Schwertfeger, Marc Schmidt, Dierk Frank
  • Patent number: 6598359
    Abstract: A curtain wall system for multi-story buildings that is highly resistant to the damage caused by multidirectional swaying motions in building frames during an earthquake. In a conventional curtain wall system, each story is connected structurally to the stories above and/or below it. Earthquake-induced swaying motions of the building frame cause significant load transfers from story to story and cause such a conventional curtain wall system to be susceptible to earthquake damage. Not only does this damage necessitate expensive repairs, but serious threats to life safety are imposed when debris falls from a damaged wall system. In contrast, each story of the earthquake-immune curtain wall system is structurally isolated (i.e., decoupled) from adjacent stories, which produces the beneficial effects of minimizing wall system damage and the attendant risks of falling debris (in the forms of broken glass, stone, concrete, etc.) during an earthquake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventors: Heinrich Wulfert, Richard A. Behr
  • Patent number: 6598360
    Abstract: A conduit is disclosed for installation under the floor of a basement for the removal of water therefrom, such conduit having an elongated structure of rectangular cross section and having a vertically disposed inside wall 2 inches in height, a vertically disposed outside wall 2 inches in height, a top wall horizontally disposed of approximately 3½ inches in length joining the tops of such inside and outside walls, and a bottom wall horizontally disposed of approximately 3½ inches in length joining the bottoms of such inside and outside walls, a plurality of elongated apertures defined in the inside wall, each approximately ½ inch in height and 1¾ inches in length and spaced approximately 2 inches apart, and a plurality of elongated apertures defined in the outside wall, each aperture approximately ½ inch in height and 1¾ inches in length and spaced approximately 2 inches apart and spaced approximately 2 inches apart from one another, and a pair of engagement members
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: James M. Pratt
  • Patent number: 6598361
    Abstract: Slidable connections from a support to a supported section combined with slidable end connections between adjoining supported sections allow relative motion between adjoining supported sections to be limited to less than the relative motion between adjoining supports. This is accomplished in an open-gap mullion embodiment for supporting a curtain wall assembly by providing an open gap between mullion sections equal to or less than a tolerable range for the curtain wall. When floor support deflections close the gap, further floor deflection causes an adjacent lower mullion section to provide support for the contacted upper mullion section. In a limited-gap embodiment, the gap between mullion section may exceed the tolerable motion of the associated curtain wall assembly, but a slidable gap-limiting means is provided to limit relative displacement between sections. In addition, the slidable mullion sections can be field installed without the need for field drilling and/or welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Raymond M. L. Ting
  • Patent number: 6598362
    Abstract: The present invention provides a siding boards attachment structure having excellent ventilation characteristics and a high siding-board fixing strength, and a fastening member to be used therewith. The fastening member is disposed to span an upper horizontal edge of a lower siding board and a lower horizontal edge of an upper siding board, and fixes the siding boards to a framework of a building. The fastening member includes a base plate portion having a flat rear side surface, a support portion projecting forward from the base plate portion, an upper-board engagement portion bent upward from the support portion, a lower-board engagement portion bent downward from the support portion, and spacing portions individually formed at left and right sides of the base plate portion, each of the spacing portions having a front face which is forward from the base plate portion and rearward from the front end of the support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Nichiha Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoshi Hikai