Patents Issued in August 12, 2003
  • Patent number: 6604728
    Abstract: A multiuse hammer having multiple pry features of varying configurations as well as a striking face on an enlarged head portion. One feature is formed on the handle end, another long length straight but angled claw on the head portion, and a pry tooth projects to one side of the claw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Kevin Boydon
  • Patent number: 6604729
    Abstract: A nail extraction tool comprising a head portion and a shaft portion where the head portion has a contact surface that is adapted to engage a wooden surface to extracting nail without leaving an indentation upon the wood surface. The nail extraction tool further is adapted to hang from the loop of the belt where the shaft portion extends therethrough the loop and the tool is supported by the lower surface of the head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Chris R. Fagan
  • Patent number: 6604730
    Abstract: A vehicle lifting pad system comprises a pad. The pad has a large base plate, a small intermediate plate and a plurality of fingers. The base plate has sides. Two parallel close sides and two parallel distant sides. The intermediate plate has top and bottom faces. A first pair of parallel fingers is closely spaced and a second pair of parallel fingers is widely spaced. Each finger has an enlarged retention head facing exteriorly away from the other fingers. Each finger has a surface between its retention head and the intermediate plate for being received by an aperture of a vehicle with the retention head above the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Shafer
  • Patent number: 6604731
    Abstract: A utility winch having a single planet gear assembly that commonly engages adjacent ring gears, one ring gear fixed and the other rotatable. The planet gears of the planet assembly have inner and outer portions that rotate together and have different diameters and different numbers of teeth, one ring gear engaged with an inner portion and a second ring gear engaged with an outer portion of the planet gears. Said ring gears matched to the respective planet gear portions and having different numbers of teeth and different diameters as required to achieve involute engagement of the ring gears and planet gears whereby the rotatable gear is caused to rotate at a substantially reduced rate of rotation. Said rotatable ring gear is fixed to the winch reel for reduced rotation of the reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Warn Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Ray Hodge
  • Patent number: 6604732
    Abstract: A barrier, which is intended to intercept a crashing airplane before it reaches a target, comprises an array of spaced towers. Each tower is several hundred feet tall. Each tower comprises a trusswork including three steel tubes, which are filled with a cementitious material, such as grout, in a triangular array wherein one tube is closer to the target. Guys interconnect the towers to one another and to ground anchors. Each tube comprises plural sections having end flanges, at which those sections are bolted to one another, and gaskets to prevent the cementitious material, as it is being pumped, from being extruded between the flanges before it has cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: ROHN Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: David G. Brinker
  • Patent number: 6604733
    Abstract: An evaporative humidifier including a base removably supporting a water tray for holding a quantity of water. A blower assembly and a water tank are removably supported by the base above the water tray. The blower assembly includes a housing and a fan disposed intermediate a pair of air inlets and an air exhaust outlet. A cylindrically shaped wick filter is supported by the water tray and extends upwardly into the housing. The wick filter includes a cylindrical side wall and opposing open upper and lower ends. The fan is driven by a motor mounted inside the housing for drawing air into the housing through the air inlets, through the cylindrical side walls of the wick filter, and then through the open upper end of the wick filter and out of the housing through the air exhaust outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick T Mulvaney, Michael E. Smith, Anthony V. Cruz
  • Patent number: 6604734
    Abstract: A method of retaining a suspension system includes creating a negative pressure within an air spring such that a longitudinal member is retained in a substantially fixed position relative to a chassis component when the longitudinal member is placed in an unloaded condition. When there is no pressure in the air spring, the air cell is deflated and the suspension is mechanically bottomed out. By further introducing a negative pressure into the air cell with the gas feed, a partial vacuum is formed and the air cell collapses in upon itself. The collapsed air cell grips the piston thereby immobilizing the air spring. Accordingly, when the vehicle is lifted and the air suspension becomes unloaded, the longitudinal member is maintained relative to the chassis component by the immobilized air spring to thereby prevent the air cell from being inverted and damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems Limited
    Inventor: Paul J. Griffiths
  • Patent number: 6604735
    Abstract: A modular shock isolator and method of isolation of components of a system with multiple modular shock isolators arranged to provide different damping and vibration characteristics than an individual modular shock isolator. In one mode, a modular shock isolator having a base with legs extending from each side of the base with each of the legs having a foot that extends outward from the legs with the modular shock isolator either individually mounted to isolate a component or a plurality of modular shock isolators are be ganged, or stacked together to change the shock isolation characteristics of the shock mount formed from the multiple modular shock isolators. A layer of damping material can be sandwiched between layers of elastomers to dampen the natural spring-back of the materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Trevor J. McCollough, Robert James Monson
  • Patent number: 6604736
    Abstract: A spring assembly comprising: an axially extending coil formed from a spring wire and having first and second ends and a length there between with an interior having a generally circular cross-section. The coil includes first end portion with a first diameter and extending inwardly from the first end, a second end portion with a second diameter and extending inwardly from the second end and a center portion with a third diameter between the end portions of the coil. An elongated core is placed within the interior of the coil at the center portion and two spaced lugs formed from the spring wire and extending chordally across the circular cross-section capture the core in the center portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Barnes Group Inc.
    Inventor: Brian R. Tomczak
  • Patent number: 6604737
    Abstract: The utility workstation selectively positions a suspended workpiece before a typically seated operator. It is height adjustable and accepts various types of holding and support attachments that allow various kinds of workpieces to be positioned at various angles and rotations. It provides local light and magnifier sources as well as display and storage options for tools and supplies useful for working with a workpiece. It allows a workpiece to be moved laterally from a fully retracted position, where the workpiece is out of the way of someone getting out of or into his or her seat, to a working position, where the workpiece is suspended at a preferred location and orientation before the operator. It is designed to be operated from the left side or right side of a chair, easy chair, stool, couch, or other type of seating means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Roger T. Garrett
  • Patent number: 6604738
    Abstract: A work pallet (3) has an under surface opened to provide a positioning hole (12). The positioning hole (12) has an upper wall which supports a pull rod (13) diametrically movably. A clamp pallet (2) projects an annular plug portion (21), onto which a shuttle member (23) is externally fitted. The shuttle member (23) makes a tapering engagement with the positioning hole (12). The plug portion (21) has a cylindrical hole (21a), into which a transmission sleeve (31) is inserted. The transmission sleeve (31) supports an engaging ball (34), which engages with an engaged portion (13b) of the pull rod (13). Defined between the cylindrical hole (21a) and an outer peripheral surface (31b) of the transmission sleeve (31) is a flow passage (43) through which cleaning compressed air passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kosmek
    Inventor: Yosuke Haruna
  • Patent number: 6604739
    Abstract: A method of aligning flat copies in a sheet-processing machine includes the steps of determining the actual position of a sheetlike material in relation to a coordinate system; implementing a nominal position of a cylinder that accommodates the sheetlike material to be aligned on the jacket surface of the cylinder by correctively controlling non-contacting radial/axial magnetic bearings so as to compensate for position changes of the cylinder or components thereof from the nominal position; and maintaining the cylinder in the nominal position thereof until the aligned sheet material is transferred to transport units arranged farther downline; a device for performing the method; a printing unit having the device; and a multicolor rotary printing machine having the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Peter Förch, Andreas Henn
  • Patent number: 6604740
    Abstract: A slot machine enables a player to select one or more symbols as wild symbols (“Select-A-Wild”). In one embodiment, the game displays three spin buttons. Each spin button is permanently associated with a symbol. All of the associated symbols have matching symbols on the reel strips. Each of the associated symbols have the same probability of appearing on the reel strips. The player selects a wild symbol by pressing a spin button. The symbol associated with the pressed spin button acts as a wild symbol for that spin. After each spin, the player receives awards for all winning combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: PTT, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony M. Singer, Joseph D. Masci, Howard M. Marks, Daniel M. Marks
  • Patent number: 6604741
    Abstract: A novel element in the play of a variant of Blackjack or twenty-One includes allowing a player to split off a single card after taking a hit when the hit card matches an earlier dealt card, such as one or the other of the two first cards in the original hand or another hit card. It is preferred that the game is played so that a single card may be split off after taking a hit when the last hit card of a player matches the value of the previous card dealt to that player. The split off of a card preferably may not be exercised when the player's last hit broke or busted the player's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger M. Snow
  • Patent number: 6604742
    Abstract: A throw and catch game or sport whereby a plastic disk is thrown by one player and caught by the other player wearing a glove or pad. The disk and the glove have complementary strips of VELCRO on their outer surfaces. The catcher merely touches the flying disk, allowing it to adhere to the target glove. The disk is a plastic, arc-shaped device with a foam padding or air pocket at the bottom center portion. VELCRO covers the foam padding/air pocket at the top center, and the plastic disk below the bottom center and the outer edge. The pocket may also contain a battery operated light. The pocket may also include an electronic recorder (programmed or random) and an electronic sound/music player, which may be activated by spinning the disk, as when it is thrown or activated by other means as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Jimmy El Sabbagh
  • Patent number: 6604743
    Abstract: The replaceable wearing surface is for a sealing arrangement on drum end walls on a press drum that de-waters fiber suspensions radially into the drum through the shell of the drum. The wearing surface of the sealing arrangement has a wear ring and holder members. The wear ring is, on a side that faces into the drum from the drum end-wall, provided with locking members. The locking members are arranged parallel to the drum axis and are preferably in the form of knob-shaped locking members. The arms of the holder members are designed to engage the locking members. The holder members are fastened to the drum end wall by suitable fixing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Kvaerner Pulping AB
    Inventors: Stefan Hansson, Bo Clarstrom, Johan Eriksson
  • Patent number: 6604744
    Abstract: A novel drill bit adapter includes a body portion, a cap portion, a spring-biased catch and a push button actuator. The cap portion includes a transverse aperture and cooperates with the body to define a longitudinal aperture and a catch-receiving cavity. The push button is disposed in the transverse aperture and engages the catch to move the catch in the cavity relative to the longitudinal aperture in opposition to a biasing force supplied by the spring. The spring is a wire spring that extends longitudinally from the body portion into the cap portion to engage the catch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Valery Monge
  • Patent number: 6604745
    Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle with a chassis having a suspension device and a damping device according to which, for greater safety, the suspension and/or damping device is stiffened and/or blocked at least for individual wheels when an acceleration signal is applied. The invention also relates to a device with a construction for carrying out the method. The damping device is configured by a hydraulic shock-absorber for each wheel of the motor and at least one shock-absorber can be hydraulically stiffened or blocked via electronically controlled valves. The valve can be controlled by means of a control device connected to at least one acceleration sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventor: Ferdinand Piech
  • Patent number: 6604746
    Abstract: A snowboard binding of the invention includes: a guide unit for properly guiding a tip portion of a left band while preventing the tip portion from entering a space of a buckle; an ankle strap fitting unit for optically fastening a ankle strap around a boot; an erroneous open preventing unit for preventing a lever of a forward inclination regulation mechanism from inadvertently releasing; a retaining unit for retaining the foot in a highback; and a binding discrimination unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Carmate Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Sato, Hideyuki Naito, Yoshihiro Yagyu, Motomu Haruna
  • Patent number: 6604747
    Abstract: A rescue device (20) having a sled body (22), back support member (24), safety belts (26, 28, 30), and a lowering strap (32) is utilized to lower incapacitated individuals down inclined terrain such as stairs. The sled body (22) includes a plurality of reinforcing corrugations (46, 64, 72, 88, 98) and a plurality of integral components such as a U-shaped perimeter edge (44) and hand holds (92) which make the sled body (22) more rigid, so that the entire device weighs only twenty-one pounds. A hanging apparatus (128) is provided in combination with the device (20) and includes hanging arms (132) which extend through handle openings (96) of the sled body (22) to store the device (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: B & M Welding, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Moore
  • Patent number: 6604748
    Abstract: A sliding twist vehicle for snowy ground. The sliding twist vehicle includes a vehicle frame, a twisting unit, a transmission unit, and a steering unit. The transmission unit has a control portion, which is extended above the vehicle frame, connected to the steering unit, and a twisting portion, which is extended below the vehicle frame, connected to the driving portion of the twisting unit. The twisting unit further has two sharp edge portions extended along the two sides of the twisting unit from the driving portion respectively, two supporting portions which are spacedly apart from the driving portion. The transmission unit is rotationally connected to the vehicle frame such that when a clockwise and an anti-clockwise movement are subsequently imparted to the steering unit, the twisting unit is twisted as a result, causing the sliding twist vehicle to slide forwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Hong-Jiun Gu
  • Patent number: 6604749
    Abstract: A carcass transportation device for facilitating easy loading, transporting and unloading of a carcass, preferably a hog carcass, by a single person. The carcass transportation device includes a platform, a plurality of wheels rotatably attached to the platform for movement thereof, a handle pivotally attached to the platform so that the handle is movable along a vertical plane, and an attachment element for securing a carcass. In operation, the carcass transportation device is positioned in proximity to the carcass so that the carcass can be secured to the handle via the attachment element. The carcass then is leveraged onto the platform by the handle so that it can be transported to a desired destination for unloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Gary L. Woodbury
  • Patent number: 6604750
    Abstract: The foldable frame of the wheelchair has an opening at the lower rear part thereof for receiving a commode or a tray which supports a removable pail. The seat has front and side cutouts to provide under seat access dual density supporting foam. The seat also has laterally projecting wings at the front thereof to facilitate lateral transfer of a patient. The armrests at each side of the wheelchair pivot upwardly and rearwardly of the chair. Locking members are provided for locking each arm support in its lowered position; and a release lever can be pushed to unlock each arm support. A pair of footrest supports are each contoured so as not to have any sharp edges and are provided with non-slip surfaces and a drain hole. Each footrest support is pivoted to a split block which is slidable vertically along an arm. The block can be tightened and loosened by a lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs
    Inventors: Pascal Malassigne, Audrey L. Nelson, Robert P. Jensen
  • Patent number: 6604751
    Abstract: A dampener including a valve movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively alter the compression damping rate of the shock absorber. The valve may include a self-centering feature which operates to keep the valve body centered about the valve shaft. The dampener may also include a timer feature, which retains the valve in an open position for a predetermined period of time after it is initially opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Fox
  • Patent number: 6604752
    Abstract: The hitch attachment has a base plate with a toe-heel receiver for the attachment carrier of a front end loader on one face side and a hydraulically operable hitch on the other face side. The hydraulically operable hitch has a draw bar extending out from the base plate with a hitching opening at its outer end. A boom mounted to the upper edge of the base plate projects angularly upward to an elevated location above the hitch opening of the draw bar, and a hydraulic ram assembly equipped with a hitching pin is removably suspended from the outer end of the boom. A mid-level assembly has a circumscribing bracing structure that holds the hydraulic ram assembly in stable condition for the entry of the hitching pin into the hitching opening of the draw bar. A removable link in the circumscribing bracing structure facilitates easy removal of the hydraulic ram assembly for replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventors: Ronald F. Gerres, Steven M. Gerres
  • Patent number: 6604753
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for long vehicles to make sharp turns on city streets without running up on the curb. The back wheels of the vehicle are steered with the aid of a guide control wheel so that when the semi or truck is making a sharp turn, the rear wheels continue straight down the street to the intersection and then turn, even though the semi and the front of the trailer have already turned in a normal manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph J. Boyd
  • Patent number: 6604754
    Abstract: A suspension system for skiis which incorporates a plurality of linkage mechanisms that control absorption dynamics. The linkage mechanisms couple a plurality of plates between the ski binding and the ski. A plurality of resilient elements are located between these plates to dampen impact forces and resiliently maintain spacing between the ski bindings and the ski. The linkage mechanisms may include unitarily constructed panels having flexural couplings or formed rod linkages. These linkage mechanisms constrain the lateral rotational motion of the plates relative to the ski, thus providing edge control concurrent with vertical movement. This allows for precise edge control and significant absorption of impacts and vibration. This device may be integral with the ski, or mounted on top of the ski. In either case, it is a mounting platform for the bindings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Kaj Gyr
  • Patent number: 6604755
    Abstract: A retention system for retaining a climbing skin to the tail end of a ski comprises an elongated resilient tensioning member secured to one end of the skin, a generally C-shaped clip adapted to removably hook about the tail end, and means on an upper portion of said clip for releasably retaining a portion of said tensioning member thereon. In the preferred embodiment the upper portion of the clip includes an aperture for receiving the tensioning member therethrough and a projection for engaging in one of several eyelets provided on the tensioning member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: G3 Genuine Guide Gear, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Edward Ayliffe, Tian Gee
  • Patent number: 6604756
    Abstract: A triple axle suspension for use in a vehicle having a front axle, a medium axle and a rear axle mounted in triple axle relationship. It makes use of rigid beams to support the axles. It also makes use of equalizers to interconnect the beams, and it is devised in such a manner that one end of each beam is free to slide within the adjacent supporting structure. This suspension is very simple in structure and very efficient to equalize the load of any axle over all the axles of the triple axle suspension. When the axles are motorized, the suspension is also efficient to balance the pulls exerted by the wheels supported by the axles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Emmanuel Simard & Fils (1983) Inc.
    Inventors: André-Marie Simard, Réjean Lavoie
  • Patent number: 6604757
    Abstract: A steering control device of the front wheels of a beach motorized vehicle includes a swing arm pivoted on a horizontal rack of the beach motorized vehicle. The swing arm has two ends each pivotally connected with a linking lever which is pivotally connected with each of the two steering levers. Each of the two drive bars has a first end pivotally connected to each of the two ends of the swing arm, and a second end pivotally connected with an L-shaped control plate. When each of the two steering levers is moved, the swing arm may be pivoted to move each of the two drive bars to simultaneously move and pivot the L-shaped control plate so as to drive and turn each of the two front wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Taiwan ATV Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shu-Fang Huang
  • Patent number: 6604758
    Abstract: An assembly of a flexible elastomeric fluid conveying hose which comprises a rigid coupling and a member extending partially into the hose body. A stress relief member, in the form of a helical spring, is mounted directly on the coupling member and also inserted into the body to prevent kinking or collapsing of the hose. The rigid coupling may also be of the swivel type of various configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Dayco Products, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin C. Assenheimer
  • Patent number: 6604759
    Abstract: A pipe connection of two pipe ends pushed into a sleeve. The pipe connection includes a spherical shape between the inside wall of the sleeve and the outside wall of at least one pipe end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Faurecia Abgastechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Harald Binöder
  • Patent number: 6604760
    Abstract: A coupling assembly that includes: a) a female coupling member including a cavity opening onto its receiving end, where the cavity has an annular groove; b) a male coupling member including an annular rib, the rib having a tapered leading edge, a trailing edge and a maximum diameter between the leading and trailing edges; c) a diametrically expandable locking ring carried in the annular groove of the female coupling member; and d) an annular collar slidably carried on the male coupling member axially between the trailing edge of the annular rib and the trailing end of the male coupling member, where the annular collar includes an outer circumferential surface having an outer diameter substantially equal to or greater than the maximum diameter of the annular rib and where the annular collar is slidable on the male coupling member from an unlocked position, in which the collar is positioned axially against the annular rib providing a relatively smooth circumferential surface from the trailing edge of the annula
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: William L. Cresswell, Judah Davis
  • Patent number: 6604761
    Abstract: A device for coupling two pipes made of composite material based on a reinforced thermoplastic, includes a sleeve (40) threaded on its internal wall and intended to be joined to an end (21) of the first pipe (20) and to an end (31) of the second pipe (30). A sealing element (44) creates a seal in the coupling zone. A first end-piece (11) is intended to be fastened to the end (21) of the first pipe and a second end-piece (12) is intended to be fastened to the end (31) of the second pipe. Each end-piece has over at least part of its external surface (13, 14) a screw thread (15, 16) intended to engage in a complementary manner with the screw thread (48) of the sleeve (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vetrotex France S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Debalme, Gerard Gandre
  • Patent number: 6604762
    Abstract: A hydraulic coupling that is used for connecting hydraulic tubular lines includes a male plug which will mate with a standard tube end flare. The male plug has a rounded end that will provide for a line contact with the interior surface of the standard flare. The rounded end of the plug is joined to the main portion of the male plug body through a wall that is controlled in cross-sectional size so that the outer end will deflect as the male plug is tightened into place. This will provide a resilient loading along a line of contact to insure that the seal is maintained even if there is slight axial movement between the flare and the male plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventor: Thomas M. Sagaser
  • Patent number: 6604763
    Abstract: An expandable threaded connection includes a first tubular member, a second tubular member and a threaded connection for coupling the tubular members that includes one or more sealing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Robert Lance Cook, David Paul Brisco, R. Bruce Stewart, Lev Ring, Richard Carl Haut, Robert Donald Mack, Alan B. Duell, Andrei Gregory Filippov
  • Patent number: 6604764
    Abstract: An improved safety latch is disclosed for assembly and use upon a cabinet frame or like facing member to secure a drawer or cabinet door panel in a completely closed position without need for an invasive screw attachment. The present safety latch includes a U-shaped base fitting formed having front and rear walls spaced apart to engage the edge of the cabinet frame within therebetween, the rear wall in a preferred embodiment of the latch having a movable pad mounted on the interior side of the wall to clamp the frame and hold the fitting in a stationary position. The front wall of the base fitting is provided with a pair of flexible prong members extended outwardly from the front wall and further formed having opposed wedge-shaped ends. The safety latch further includes an angled clip member adapted to releasably engage the base fitting having an open chamber section formed along the top of the clip member and a wall section depending perpendicularly therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Andrew W. Zemzik
  • Patent number: 6604765
    Abstract: An improved bumper system includes a pair of brackets connected to the spaced frame members of a motor vehicle. A support arm is pivotally connected at one end to each of the brackets. The opposite end of each support arm is connected to a transverse beam that forms separate first and second bumper sections. The brackets support the support arms and bumper sections at a desired height above the ground. Each support arm is maintained relative to the respective bracket by gravity. A shear pin provides a redundant retention of the arm relative to the bracket. The arms and bumper sections of the improved bumper system remain in position relative to the bracket even in the event of a horizontal impact. A vertical impact of one or both bumper sections by obstacles or terrain causes the shear pin to be severed, allowing the bumper section(s) to pivot relative to the bracket, rather than to bend or deform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Schwing America, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Eull
  • Patent number: 6604766
    Abstract: A tool for installing fiberglass insulation. The tool having a handle with a telescopically movable post for extending its length. The tool having a grasping portion for holding the insulation. The grasping potion comprising of a pair of gripping plates, each with a stabilizing strip attached thereto. A cam flange section integral with the tops of the plates and having a pair of arc shaped slots for sliding engagement with the plates. Rotation of the handle causing the plates to either open or close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Donald S. Hassell
  • Patent number: 6604767
    Abstract: A ball retrieval system includes a bag member that has a bottom wall. The bag member has a perimeter wall that extends upwardly from a perimeter edge of the bottom wall. The bag member has a top wall that is coupled to a distal end of the perimeter wall. The bag member defines an interior space. The bag member has an aperture that extends through the perimeter wall. The bag member is for holding a plurality of balls. A tube assembly is substantially hollow. The tube assembly has a proximal end coupled to the bag member abutting the aperture such that an interior of the tube assembly begin in environmental communication with the interior space of the bag member. The tube assembly has a distal end designed for receiving balls. The balls are movable through the tube assembly into the bag member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Vincent L. Daniels
  • Patent number: 6604768
    Abstract: A specialized tool for utilization within the chute of a concrete truck enabling efficient direction of liquid concrete via a raised gripping edge and strategically shaped, replaceable/disposable head, wherein a generally semi-circular shaped head facilitates compatibility with the discharge chute of a cement truck for assisting in the direction and placement of concrete, a gripping edge facilitates a comfortably secure reach into the discharge chute of a cement truck for scooping, pulling, plugging or otherwise controlling the flow of concrete and a replaceable blade head provides long-term efficient usage thereof, thereby enabling a user to efficiently deposit, apply and manage fresh liquid concrete from a concrete truck's chute as the concrete is being discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Mark W. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 6604769
    Abstract: The invention is a plate with three holes to function as a winch line attachment point and a length and angular adjustment for a chain attached to separated locations on a vehicle. One large hole is used to receive the winch line hook, and two smaller holes with angularly oriented chain locking slots are used to adjust the length of the chain attached to the towed vehicle. The material around the holes is reduced to the minimum size necessary to safely meet the rated towing capacity so that the weight of the plate is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Lift-All Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Herman, Jeffrey R. Kauffman, Jeffrey M. Klibert
  • Patent number: 6604770
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for clamping a crate (2), comprising a frame or a plate provided with at least a first and a second clamping element (6) for engaging on an interior section of the wall of the crate, which clamping elements are mounted some distance apart, wherein at least the first clamping element is provided with a clamping projection (31) which is movable with respect to the second clamping element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Heineken Technical Services B.V.
    Inventor: Petrus Johannus Van Geijlswijk
  • Patent number: 6604771
    Abstract: A lock plate and a movable plate are provided to fix a seat at an optional position, and an actuator is provided between the seat and the movable plate. The seat is moved to the rear of a vehicle body in an initial stage of impact by the actuator. Acceleration is generated in the seat through impact abutment of a collapsible tube in the actuator against a piston head in an intermediate stage of impact. In a final stage of the impact, the seat is made integral with the vehicle body. The deceleration of a vehicle body and a seat and the deceleration of an occupant can be made equal to each other at an earlier timing. The apparatus can be installed by making use of a space under the seat, whereby the necessity of securing a special vacant space for installation of the apparatus can be obviated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuki Motozawa, Takahiro Kamei, Yasushi Kawamura
  • Patent number: 6604772
    Abstract: An automotive sun visor is provided. The sun visor includes features such as a vanity mirror and an extender blade or slide-out sun shade. The sun visor is constructed from an cover assembly that is folded over itself and encloses a mounting frame therein. The mounting frame is secured to a vanity mirror assembly and thereby secures the cover assembly therebetween. The mounting frame also includes an articulated track for sliding reception of an extender blade. The sun visor also includes a extender blade bezel disposed with the cover assembly and including a slot formed therein. The slot is adapted for reception of said extender blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Alan Sturt
  • Patent number: 6604773
    Abstract: A sun-visor provided in a vehicle includes a sun-visor body, a shaft, and low strength region. The sun-visor body is used for blocking off the outside light. One end of the shaft is inserted into the sun-visor body and another end of the shaft is rotatably supported at the roof of the vehicle through a base. The low strength region of the shaft permits the sun-visor to be readily deformed by a side air bag deployed into the vehicle cabin, thereby achieving a certain inflation of the air bag irrespective of the position of the sun-visor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Aoki, Hidetoshi Utsumi, Fumiharu Ochiai, Naohiko Saita, Yuichi Saito
  • Patent number: 6604774
    Abstract: A cover device for a folding top compartment of a vehicle with a lowerable roof structure. It being possible to pivot the roof structure into the folding top compartment which is arranged behind a rear region in a back part of the vehicle bodywork and which can be closed with a folding top compartment lid. A cover unit closes, with a front cover part and a rear cover part, a free space which is formed between the closed folding top compartment lid and the rear region. The rear cover part is mounted in a pivotably adjustable fashion on the front cover part, and can be adjusted between an active position, in which the rear cover part closes a gap between the front cover part and the folding top compartment lid, and a passive position, in which the rear cover part clears the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: DaimlerChysler AG
    Inventors: Michael Koch, Juergen Schrader
  • Patent number: 6604775
    Abstract: A top for a convertible vehicle, comprising a roof part, said roof part at least partially covering the vehicle in a closed state and being pivotable about a main bearing; a frame element, said frame element being arranged in a rear area of the vehicle; a rear element, said rear element at least partially covering said rear area of the vehicle in a closed state, and a loading lid; said rear element being fixed on said frame element, in such a way as to be pivotable relative to said frame element, by means of a rear bearing arranged at a distance from said main bearing; said frame element being fixed on the vehicle in such a way as to be pivotable relative to the vehicle about an axis arranged in the region of said main bearing; said roof part being pivotable relative to the vehicle about said axis together with the frame element in an open, deposited position of said roof part; said main bearing being firmly connected to said frame element, and said loading lid being fixed on the rear element in such a way as
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Obendiek
  • Patent number: 6604776
    Abstract: A vehicle theft prevention system effectively secures the contents and/or occupants of a parked vehicle. The system includes protective cover plates for the vehicle windows and locks, with either or both sets of cover plates being remotely actuated by a central control system. The side window covers are mounted within the vehicle doors and/or rear side panels and move parallel to the adjacent glass window panes, with front and rear covers being retractable into the vehicle roof. A lift assembly extends and retract the coverings. The same motor may operate to move both the window coverings and adjacent glass window panes, or separate mechanisms may be provided. The keyhole shield or lock cover prevents an intruder from picking or breaking the locks of the vehicle. Electric motors extend and retract the lock cover plates between a lock concealing position and a lock access position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Richard A. Edwards
  • Patent number: 6604777
    Abstract: There is a camper for a utility vehicle. The camper includes a base frame for fitting into the cargo tray of the utility. There is a pair of bed frames disposed above the base and slidable laterally between inner closed positions substantially within the width of the cargo tray and open positions of use extending outward of the cargo tray sides. There is a roof panel movable between a lower closed position and a raised position of use and a flexible sheet material extending between outer edges of the bed frames and the roof panel. The camper is collapsible for travelling by moving the bed frames and roof panel from the positions of use to the closed positions so that a compact low profile shape is provided which is set substantially within the transverse dimensions of the cargo tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Neville