Patents Issued in October 28, 2003
  • Patent number: 6637337
    Abstract: A method for controlling the temperature of print bearer surfaces during printing in rotary printing machines. The print bearers are fastened in exchangeable fashion on the circumferential surface of print form cylinders. The surfaces of the print bearers are inked by inking form rollers. The temperature of the color-separation-guiding surfaces of the print bearers is controlled in such a way that narrower/broader printing and/or shorter/longer printing arising during the passage of the printed material through the printing unit is compensated per individual printing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Axel Hauck
  • Patent number: 6637338
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for preparing varying degrees of gloss on printed matter in printing machines producing printed images on printed matter by application of an ink layer. An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing varying degrees of gloss on printed matter with only one coating tower which comprises only one coating unit and no especially manufactured coating plate. The method according to the present invention comprises applying an ink layer from at least two ink systems on a substrate to be printed to produce a printed image. The printed image is subsequently coated with a coating, whereby each ink system changes degree of gloss in reaction with the coating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer AG
    Inventor: Jürgen Veil
  • Patent number: 6637339
    Abstract: Effects of capacitive resistances on the transmission of data between electronic igniters of an ignition system and a device for programming and triggering igniters are avoided by the disclosed method. Prior to a planned communication of an igniter with the device, a dc voltage is applied to the ignition circuit for a predetermined length of time. This voltage is higher than the voltage provided for generating the signals with which the data are generated. Subsequently, the signals that the igniter transmits in response are produced with a lower voltage than the previously elevated voltage and the dc voltage is increased once again prior to the response to an additional igniter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Dynamit Nobel GmbH Explosivstoff und Systemtechnik
    Inventors: Jan Petzold, Heinz Schäfer, Ulrich Steiner, Andreas Zemla
  • Patent number: 6637340
    Abstract: A rail pulling system for efficiently drawing the ends of two rails together. The rail pulling system includes an elongate frame, a control unit, a first sliding unit and a second sliding unit, a pair of first actuators attached to the first sliding unit, a pair of second actuators attached to the second sliding unit, a plurality of third actuators attached to the frame, a pair of first engaging cams rotatably attached to the first sliding unit, and a pair of second engaging cams rotatably attached to the second sliding unit. The cams are rotated to engage a first rail and a second rail respectively by actuating the first actuators and the second actuators thereby causing an engaging portion of the cams to engage pillow blocks on the third actuators. The third actuators then draw the first sliding unit and the second sliding unit together thereby drawing the rails together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Timothy R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6637341
    Abstract: A safety device for a construction in which a person is able to sit and with which movements can be executed, for example for an attraction for a fairground or an amusement park. The safety device includes a base that can be fixed to the construction, a restraint that at one end is pivotably connected to the base and that can be moved between a lifted-up position such that the person is able to sit down in the construction or to leave the latter, and a safety position in which the person is secured in the construction, and locking means for locking the restraint in the safety position. The locking means has a locking component that is located at the end of the restraint that faces away from the end where the restraint is pivotably mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Cobra Beheer B.V.
    Inventors: Louisito Johannes Eusebio Kroon, Albert Louisito Phillipus Kroon
  • Patent number: 6637342
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a conveyor assembly and carrier for use with a conveyor wherein the carrier includes a frame having a longitudinal axis, a first pair of load wheels rotatably coupled to the frame, and a first pair of stabilizer wheels positioned laterally outward of the first pair of load wheels and rotatably coupled to the frame. The conveyor includes the carrier, a drive, and a stabilizer track having first and second channels spaced from one another. The first pair of stabilizer wheels are disposable for movement within the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Jervis B. Webb Company
    Inventors: Keith Jennings, Robert Goryca, Gary Ramse, Ricky L. Brown, David K. Meissner
  • Patent number: 6637343
    Abstract: A guideway system for conveying vehicles includes a first guideway lane and a plurality of control cells. Each cell includes a particular portion of the first guideway lane and a cell:controller for monitoring and controlling traffic flow on the first guideway lane portion within the respective cell. Furthermore, the cell controllers are in communication with each other so as to share information with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Craig Hammann Stephan, John Michael Miller, Lloyd Craig Davis, Richard David Anderson
  • Patent number: 6637344
    Abstract: The running gear (1) for a rail vehicle comprises at least two wheel sets (3) mounted in wheel set bearings (2). The wheel sets have axles (4), wheels (5) and a chassis frame (6). The chassis frame (6) is provided with two longitudinal sole bars (7) and with at least one cross-member (8) located therebetween and connected to the sole bars (7) via at least two articulations (9). The sole bars (7) and the cross-member (8) are movable relative to one another on a plane which is parallel to the rail plane (&egr;), and the wheel set bearings (2) are connected to the cross-member (8) or to one respective cross-member (8) of the rail vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens SGP Verkehrstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Teichmann Martin
  • Patent number: 6637345
    Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated axle mount for mounting an axle to a frame of a vehicle. In this embodiment, the axle mount includes a first member rigidly coupled to the frame, a second member rigidly coupled to the axle, and a third member supported by the first and second side walls of the second member. An elastic element such as a bushing is disposed about the third member and is coupled to the first member. At least one axle mount is coupled to the fore side of the axle and at least one axle mount is coupled to the aft side of the axle for supporting a frame above the axle. The elastic nature of the coupling between the axle and frame of the present invention dampens vibrations and lessens overall vehicle noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Howard Reaser
  • Patent number: 6637346
    Abstract: A railroad hopper car gate assembly is disclosed. The gate assembly includes a frame configured for attachment to a hopper body of a railroad hopper car in material receiving relation relative to an outlet on the railroad car and defines at least one discharge opening. A door assembly is mounted on the frame for generally vertical sliding movements between open and closed positions relative to the discharge opening on said frame. A driver is operably coupled between the frame and the door assembly for selectively effecting sliding movements of the door assembly relative to said discharge opening between the open and closed positions. The driver develops a 2000 lb. opening force on the door assembly and a speed up to about 2.1 inches per second as the door assembly moves from said closed position to the open position and includes a direct current electric motor which draws less than about 30 amperes from a power source as the door assembly is moved from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Miner Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher C. Gaydos
  • Patent number: 6637347
    Abstract: A module is provided for use with a drive mechanism particularly suited for plug-type railcar doors to prevent “overspinning” and “drifting.” The mechanism disclosed is a double brake-type mechanism and includes a first rotatably mounted member. The first member is arranged to transmit force in either direction of rotation and is connected with an input drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a rotatable pinion gear carried on a rotatable input shaft extending generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the first member. The pinion gear is connected with the shaft by means which cause it to move longitudinally of the shaft to a first or a second spaced point depending upon the direction the shaft is rotated. At each of the points, there are ratchets which are freely rotatable relative to the shaft except when the pinion gear moves to engage them at their respective points. When engaged, the ratchets permit movement of the shaft only in one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Chief Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry M. Richard, Kenneth R. Graham, Roger W. Hike
  • Patent number: 6637348
    Abstract: The rail car (1) with a substructure (2) and a car body (3) arranged thereon having a main suspension system (4) on a fluid basis is provided with at least one strut (5) supporting the car body (3) against the substructure (2). The pressure prevailing in the strut being correlated to the weight of the car body, and at least one emergency spring (6) supports the car body (3) against the substructure (2) in case of a failure of the main suspension (4). The at least one emergency spring (6) is biased and maintained in normal operation position (FIGS. 1, 2) by a force (F) generated by the pressure (p) prevailing in the strut (5). The emergency spring (6) expands from the normal operation position into an emergency operation position (FIG. 3) in which it resiliently supports the car body (3) in case of a failure of the main suspension system (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens SGP Verkehrstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Teichmann, Herwig Waltensdorfer, Hans Hödl, Alexander Schimanofsky
  • Patent number: 6637349
    Abstract: A motorized picnic table having a drive mechanism, wheels connected to and driven by the drive mechanism, a table mounted above the drive mechanism, and at least one seat adjacent the table. In the preferred embodiment, the seats are bench-type seats and flank the drive mechanism. The motorized table includes fenders covering at least a portion of the wheels to protect the feet and legs of picnickers using the table from the wheels when the table is in motion. A foot platform is provided for picnickers to rest their feet upon. The table has a roof and a roof mounting frame for mounting said roof above said table. The roof may be removable. The motorized table has open sides. The motorized table includes a steering mechanism wherein the steering mechanism can be operated by a picnicker seated on one of the seats. In the preferred embodiment, the steering mechanism extends through an aperture in the picnic table. The drive mechanism has a hydrostatic transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Gregory A. Lafferty
  • Patent number: 6637350
    Abstract: A portable, compact computer and projector stand is provided. A table top having a generally planar upper surface for supporting a laptop computer and a projector includes an L-shaped track receiving lip for engaging a linearly elongated channel formed within a table bottom for providing a linearly extendible table surface area. The table bottom is supported by removably attachable, hollow, telescopic legs and includes a lower surface forming an accessory insert receiving cavity for removably securing a foam insert which acts as a storage volume for telescoping legs and other accessories. A removably attachable, telescopic working document holder is provided for supporting documents, notes, sketches, and similar items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Mark McKsymick
  • Patent number: 6637351
    Abstract: A shipping pallet comprises a rectangular planar base member having two opposing ends and two opposing sides. Pivotally connected to one of the ends of the base member is a handle member that is adapted to be pivoted from a stored position, wherein the handle member is folded on top of the base member, to an operative position, wherein the handle member extends upwardly from the base member. The under surface of the base member includes a pair of elongated spaced apart pockets that extend the length of the base member on either side of the center line thereof. An elongated rail is associated with each of the pockets. Hydraulic rams or other power devices move the rails between a first position wherein they are within the pockets so that the planar base member of the pallet rests directly on a support surface and a second position Where the rails extend downwardly to support the pallet thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Lock Nest, L.L.C.
    Inventors: James F. Brennan, Jr., Martin Clive-Smith
  • Patent number: 6637352
    Abstract: A table with a pivotable table top for changing between a working position and a stacking position. The table has a table top and a table frame, wherein the table frame has a horizontal beam, at least one support part for supporting the table top and one or more table legs fixedly coupled to the support part, wherein the table top is hinged to the table frame so as to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis, and wherein the support part is movable transversely with respect to the pivot axis between the working position and the stacking position or is coupled to the beam so as to be pivotable about a vertical axis. Between the table top and the support part coupling means are provided which effect common pivoting or turning of the table top and of the table leg coupled to the support part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Wilkhahn Wilkening + Hahne GmbH + Co.
    Inventors: Jürgen Thode, Andreas Störiko, Heinrich Iglseder
  • Patent number: 6637353
    Abstract: The modular security safe with offset security bolt box is provided. A method of manufacturing panels and assembling the safe is also provided. The modular safe includes a number of modular panels which serve as the top, bottom, back and sides of the safe. The side panels have security bolt boxes attached by bolts to inner surfaces. The modular top, bottom and back panels are attached to the side panels by bolts extending through the security bolt boxes. A door is fitted with moving bolts which engage the adjacent interior of the side-wall when closed, to prevent access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Karl Alizade
  • Patent number: 6637354
    Abstract: A process for recovering the byproducts of a process that burns coal and for reusing the byproducts is disclosed. The process includes the steps of identifying a disposal site that contains the byproducts (typically flyash and bottom ash), removing at least a portion of the byproducts from the disposal site, analyzing a sample of the portion of the byproducts to determine the loss on ignition of the portion of the byproducts, introducing the portion of the byproducts along with pulverized coal into a pulverized coal furnace if the portion of byproducts have a loss on ignition greater than or equal to a predetermined loss on ignition value (typically greater than or equal to 1 to 5%), and burning the portion of the byproducts in the furnace with the pulverized coal to render the byproducts into a commercially valuable fly ash and bottom ash having very low loss on ignition, typically lower than 3%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Wisconsin Electric Power Company
    Inventor: Bruce W. Ramme
  • Patent number: 6637355
    Abstract: The device for filling and leveling grass surfaces comprises a tube having an upper end and a lower end; a planar bottom chute extending across the lower end of the tube, the planar bottom chute being pivotaly mounted to the lower end of the tube; a handle assembly mounted at an upper end of the tube; a linkage mechanism connected between the handle assembly and the planar bottom chute; and a biasing device for biasing the handle assembly to exert a pulling force on the linkage mechanism to hold the planar bottom chute closely against the lower end of the tube whereby an operator can manipulate the handle assembly for moving the planar bottom chute toward and away from the lower open end of the tube for opening and closing the tube to facilitate dispensing of grass seed or a grass seed and earth mixture from the lower end of the tube and can level the seed or seed mixture with seed planar bottom chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Divotender, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred Springs
  • Patent number: 6637356
    Abstract: A needle module contains a plurality of needles having a shank and an eye at a first end and a mounting portion at the second end mounted in a module body. A rod is mounted on and spaced apart from the module body transversely to the needles. Yarn stands pass over the rod and are directed through the eyes of the needles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Spencer Wright Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian Beverly
  • Patent number: 6637357
    Abstract: A two-needle overlock sewing machine comprises a throat plate and a middle tongue. The throat plate has an opening needle hole and an outer tongue. The middle tongue is disposed parallel to the outer tongue, a thread chain is formed so as to envelop both tongues. The presser foot is disposed so as to press the cloth to the throat plate by a spring. A push-up lever lifts up the presser foot by handling. The push-up lever and the middle tongue are coupled together by a transmission mechanism. By raising the presser foot by manipulation of the push-up lever at the finish of sewing operation, the middle tongue draws back simultaneously and retreats from the needle hole. As a result, the manipulation for drawing back the middle tongue during the process of thread chain handling is not needed, and the operation is simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Pegasus Sewing Machine Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hin Fai Choi
  • Patent number: 6637358
    Abstract: In a method of sewing at least one supplementary part on a workpiece, a workpiece identification is fed into a computer and a program is activated thereby, which indicates, on the display screen, the respective supplementary part that is to be sewn on next, and which permits a sewing operation only when the supplementary part is placed on in a correct arrangement and, possibly, in the correct position on the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Durkoppadler Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andree Cramer, Horst Schlagner, Frank Hesslich
  • Patent number: 6637359
    Abstract: A system and method for fitting a new inner hull internally over an existing single hull to form a rebuilt double hull vessel. The topside decking and internal vessel structure of the existing single hull vessel is cut and removed and the inner hull structure is inserted within a volume defined by the original hull. The original hull defines an exterior (outer hull) of the rebuilt double hull vessel and the inner hull defines an interior cargo carrying volume and forms a secondary boundary in the event that the outer hull is penetrated. A face bar and filler plate combination is used to connect the new inner hull to the existing outer hull and accounts for dimensional tolerances between the two structures. In addition, detailed ship surveys are conducted to measure the vessel structure and advanced, computerized drafting techniques are employed to improve the fit-up of the new inner hull structure with the existing outer hull structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Maritrans Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Hagner
  • Patent number: 6637360
    Abstract: A convertible marine fender includes a half-cylinder shaped first body having a inner surface, a half-cylinder shaped second body having a inner surface, and a hinge pivotably connecting the first and second bodies. The first body is pivotable lengthwise between a first position wherein the inner surfaces of the bodies are facing each other so that the first and second bodies cooperate to form a cylindrical-shape and a second position wherein the inner surfaces of the bodies are facing in the same direction and generally coplanar so that the first and second bodies form a half-cylinder-shape. A connecting strap preferably extends circumferentially around the first and second bodies and releasably secures the first and second bodies together when the first body is in the first position. The hinge is preferably a planar member formed of a flexible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: John Albert Vretta
  • Patent number: 6637361
    Abstract: A connecting device for a push-barge system in which an engine driven pusher vessel is connected to a pushed barge vessel, the connecting device including a cylinder in combination with a piston, the cylinder being fastened to a side of the pusher vessel and operated by a pressure medium, and a counterpart connected to barge vessel and to which a connecting member is connected due to the effect of the movement of the piston of the cylinder, where the connecting device includes a pressure restricting valve through which the pressure medium can be discharged from the cylinder when, due to the effect of mutual approaching movement between the barge vessel and the pusher vessel, the counterpart transmits to the piston via the connecting member a force, which is so high that the pressure caused by the piston will at least partially open the pressure restricting valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Tuija Arja Tuulikki Hörkkö
  • Patent number: 6637362
    Abstract: A sectional boat having first and second buoyant hulls joinable together at their transoms. The transoms, or transom plates attached to the outer surface of each of the transoms, have a corrugated outer surface comprised of substantially horizontal ridges and furrows. The ridges and furrows of the transoms or transom plates are adapted to interlock when the transoms are joined together. The transoms or transom plates of the first hull may include a plurality if locking projections adapted to be received in locking openings contained in the transom or transom plates of the second hull. The hulls further include wheel assemblies extending upwardly from their stern sections and at least one handle extending from their bow sections to permit easy movement of the hulls on land.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: James E. Avidiya
  • Patent number: 6637363
    Abstract: An adjustable windshield brace for boat windshields has sufficient flexibility to permit utilization on the windshields of many boat manufacturers. The brace is formed of two linearly extending members, one of which is provided with a bell to receive the other member. The belled brace member is formed with internal threading to be engageable with corresponding threads on the other brace member. The threads are finely formed to permit a linear translational movement of approximately one-sixteenth of an inch for each revolution of the brace members. Each brace member is provided with a mounting flange pivotally mounted on the respective opposing ends of the brace members to provide an attitude adjustment of the mounting flanges. Length adjustment and orientation adjustment of one mounting flange relative to the other mounting flange is accomplished by rotating the threads interengaging the two brace members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventors: Ronald T. Schmitt, Albert H. Bender, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6637364
    Abstract: A tensioning apparatus for a flexible covering mountable to a frame structure having at least one frame member. The tensioning apparatus includes a sleeve having opposed end bores which are oppositely threaded. First and second stubs are fixedly mountable in opposed portions of the frame member with threaded ends extending axially outward into engagement with the bores in the tubular sleeve. Rotation of the tubular sleeve causes axial adjustment of the portions of the frame member relative to each other. In one aspect, a stabilizer rod is fixed to one of the first and second stubs and extensibily projects through the tubular sleeve and the other of the first and second stubs. A set screw may be optionally mounted in the tubular sleeve for fixed engagement with one of the first and second stubs to lock the tubular sleeve in a fixed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: James J. Campeau
  • Patent number: 6637365
    Abstract: A vehicle locator (10) for assisting drivers in locating their personal vehicle (100) in a crowded parking lot. The device (10) includes a visual indicator indicia unit (13) comprising a plurality of colored pennant members (50) (50′) etc., having colors selected from among different colors and/or shades of the same color to customize the visual recognition pattern of the colored pennants (50) (50′) which are mounted on a hollow support column member (40) rotatably disposed around a shaft (30). At least one spring element (45) being located between the hollow support column member and the shaft in order to center the hollow support column member around the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Raymond T. Adamski
  • Patent number: 6637366
    Abstract: A composition and method for controlling scarabs, especially lawn scarabs, utilising certain strains of the entomopathogenic nematode species, Heterorhabditis zealandica are disclosed. The nematode strains used in the composition and method generally have an LD50 value of less than 300 IJ as measured by pot assays against final instar scarab larvae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization
    Inventors: Robin Anthony Bedding, Simone Daniella Clark, Karen Louise Butler, Jacqueline Louise Vella, Felice Driver
  • Patent number: 6637367
    Abstract: A method of carrying an animal bed includes placing a harness on an animal, folding the bed, inserting the bed in and between center-facing pouches of a pack, and attaching the pack to the harness. Apparatus for carrying out the method is described wherein the pack has a protective cover covering the openings of the center facing pouches, the cover having a body strap attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Dost, Figg, Elliott, et al., LLC
    Inventors: Janice Dost, Bill Dost, Eleanor A. Elliott, Joyce M. Figg, Paul E. Figg, Peter Klement, Winifred E. Landers, Samuel Landers, Paula Lewis, Odessa McDuffie, Dianne Sequoia
  • Patent number: 6637368
    Abstract: An improved livestock feeder provided with an adjustable feed dispensing mechanism including control levers which are operatively connected to the feed metering gates to control the flow of feed to livestock. The dispensing mechanism features a plurality of adjustable control levers which engage an array of indexing holes formed in the feeder to set the vertical height adjustment of the feed gates. The dispensing mechanism includes a graduated scale corresponding to each of the index holes to provide a standard setting for the feeder which can be utilized by an animal producer to supply of feed flow at a given stage in the animal's life cycle to obtain a desired growth rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Staco, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Bondarenko, Bryan S. Shive, Leon S. Zimmerman, George S. Zimmerman, Anthony Martin
  • Patent number: 6637369
    Abstract: A prism shaped open tubular frame livestock feeder including a cover extending over opposite ends of the feeder permitting livestock to access forage held in the feeder. The feeder includes a removable base to support the forage, removable cover over the feeder and sides of the feeder where livestock cannot access the forage, covered end portions where livestock can access forage and a flexible weather curtain on ends of the feeder accessible by the livestock that can be moved by livestock to access the forage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis L. Landon
  • Patent number: 6637370
    Abstract: A valve device for self-watering of livestock has a valve with a valve housing located in frost-free surroundings, a subterranean well. The valve device has a sliding valve body arranged to open by actuation of an animal for discharging water through an outlet opening provided in a delivery tube. Water is discharged into a drinking bowl or nozzle disposed at a level above ground convenient for the animal. The valve body is arranged to close for water discharge through the outlet opening under subjection of water pressure in an inlet opening. The valve body may be controlled remotely from the drinking bowl or the nozzle. The valve body is arranged such that the delivery tube and the valve housing are automatically emptied of water when the valve is closed, for example, when only the valve body is subjected to water pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Hanne Korsgaard Nielsen
    Inventor: Roland Thorsen
  • Patent number: 6637371
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods, compositions and kits for improving the raising of pre-adult anadromous fish, or preparing pre-adult anadromous fish for transfer to seawater. The methods involve adding PVCR modulators (e.g., calcium and/or magnesium) to the freshwater in an amount sufficient to increase expression and/or sensitivity of at least one PVCR; and adding feed for fish consumption to the freshwater, wherein the feed contains an amount of NaCl sufficient to contribute to a significantly increased level of the PVCR modulator in serum of the pre-adult anadromous fish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: MariCal, Inc.
    Inventors: William Harris, Jr., David R. Russell, Jacqueling Noaring, Marlies Betka
  • Patent number: 6637372
    Abstract: The subject invention concerns an apparatus for testing pain sensitivity in an animal. The apparatus can be used to evaluate pain sensitivity in response to a disease state, drug, surgical procedure, or other intervention. The subject invention also pertains to methods for testing pain sensitivity in an animal, using the apparatus. The apparatus of the subject invention can be automated and used in conjunction with software for control of experimental conditions, response measurements, and data analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Unversity of Florida
    Inventors: Andre Paul Mauderli, Charles J. Vierck
  • Patent number: 6637373
    Abstract: The invention relates to a punched out sheet for use in making a bird-nesting box without using tools or other aids and to a bird nesting box made from the same. The sheet has an interconnected outer part and an inner punch-out part. The outersheet has a carrier handle and devices for adjustment and reinforcement of the entrance and exit hole of the box. The inner part has bipartite suspension devices, a surface device in the form of a ladder and a transverse device in the form of a guard against predators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Søren Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 6637374
    Abstract: A device for heating a small house of the type used for sheltering small animals, including doghouses and the like, including a conduit forming a passage for air, the conduit having an inlet end and a discharge end and forming a passage for air, at least one heating element for warming air passing around the heating element, at least one fan mounted in the conduit between the intake end and the discharge end, and a connector for electrically connecting the heating element and the fan with an electrical power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventors: Randall D. Hawks, Gary L. Kolbet
  • Patent number: 6637375
    Abstract: A cow indexing and positioning system comprising a first and second actuating systems where the first actuating system repositions a cow brisket bar assembly in the horizontal plane to index the cows located in a stall to be milked. When the cows are finished being milked the first actuating system then disengages from the cows' briskets and the second actuating system vertically raises the cow brisket bar assembly to allow the cows to pass thereunder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Dave DeWaard
  • Patent number: 6637376
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a variable intensity static stimulation. The variable intensity static stimulation increases in intensity if the animal continues to require correction. By varying the duty cycle of a periodic signal having constant amplitude and a constant duration, the intensity of the static stimulation is varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Albert L. Lee, IV
  • Patent number: 6637377
    Abstract: An animal restraint system for a vehicle has a vest having leg holes for front legs of an animal. The vest is symmetrical about the leg holes allowing the vest to be rotated 180 degrees and placed on the animal in either orientation. The vest is removably couplable to a seat belt of the vehicle by a tether strap that has at least one loop through which the seat belt of the vehicle is passed through. The tether strap clips to a top strap of the vest that extends from one side of the vest to the other side of the vest across the back of the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: BOS Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Lobanoff, Ronald S. Gulette
  • Patent number: 6637378
    Abstract: A heater core preheater for allowing a user to quickly and efficiently receive heat in a vehicle in cold weather conditions. The heater core preheater includes a housing that has a body portion such that the housing is adapted for coupling to a heater hose between an engine of the vehicle and an inlet of the heater core of the vehicle. A heating element is coupled within the housing such that the heating element is adapted for heating fluid flowing through the heater hose to the heater core. A switch is operationally coupled between the heating element and a power source of the vehicle such that actuation by the user of the switch provides the heating element with power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Wayel Al-Amin
  • Patent number: 6637379
    Abstract: A liquid to gas converter to convert liquids (1) to gas (2) that can include a liquid pressurization element (3), a liquid preheating element (5), and a nozzle (10) to disperse liquids into energy (7) generated by an energy source (8). The gas to liquid converter can be located inside an enclosure (17) and substances dissolved in the liquid can accumulate as solids (13) on deposition surface (12) of the enclosure as the liquid (1) converts to gas Cis (2). Condensation of a portion of the gas (2) generated can be combined with the solids (13) for continuous removal of such solids (13) from the enclosure (17). A gas expansion compensator can generate a pressure gradient (24) to move the volume of gas generated from the liquid from the enclosure (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: A. Western Pump & Dredge, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbie Jack Hays, William Merle Hays, Arturo Quezada
  • Patent number: 6637380
    Abstract: A direct heating device has a tubular main casing formed by a wall member. The main casing has a first end adapted to be coupled with a support structure, such as a monoblock fastening flange. One or more water inlets and out lets are provided in the wall member of the main casing. A funnel shaped sprinkler head is positioned inside the main casing. The bigger diameter end of the sprinkler head is coupled with the support structure. A critical nozzle in the shape of a long trumpet is coupled with the smaller diameter end of the sprinkler head. The direct heating device can also have a pressure relief damper, which has one end coupled to the main casing and the other end extending into the main casing. The main casing can have a double layer construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Zhuhai Velocity of South Technology Limited
    Inventor: Shanhua Li
  • Patent number: 6637381
    Abstract: A fuel injection system and method to reduce NOx and smoke emissions from a compression ignition engine by co-injecting water and an oxygenated fuel during steady state and transient engine conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Rudolf H. Stanglmaier, Daniel W. Dickey
  • Patent number: 6637382
    Abstract: A turbocharger system for a diesel engine includes an exhaust driven intake air compressor, a sensor for tracking the position of the engine's throttle and for generating a throttle position signal, and a water injection system for furnishing water to the engine's air intake. A controller receives the throttle position signal and operates the water injection system such that the rate of water injection will be increased in the event that the time rate of change of the throttle position signal indicates that the throttle pedal is being depressed at a rate exceeding a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Diana D. Brehob, Todd Arthur Kappauf
  • Patent number: 6637383
    Abstract: A rotary power device of the swinging piston type has a cylindrical rotor mounted between internal and external portions of a stator. The internal stator provides intake and exhaust channels and may hold an igniter. The external stator includes two axially adjacent cam tracks with diametrically opposed eccentricities with respect to the axis of rotation. The rotor includes two axially spaced sets of sector-shaped compartments arranged at equal angular intervals around the inner stator, where each set is axially aligned with a respective cam track. Each compartment is open at the periphery of the rotor and has an inner opening aligned with ports in the internal stator. A sector-shaped piston mounted in each compartment pivots about an axis at one vertex of the compartment. Each piston includes a roller follower for engaging the respective cam track as the rotor rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Osama M Al-Hawaj
  • Patent number: 6637384
    Abstract: Crankshaft main bearing failure in variable compression ratio engines having eccentric main bearing supports is prevented by supporting the bearings in a crankshaft cradle (16) having a high stiffness and a high natural frequency. The crankshaft cradle (16) is rotatable mounted in the engine on a first axis, and the crankshaft (8) is mounted in the crankshaft cradle (16) on a second axis off-set from the first axis, the first axis and the second axis defining a first plane. The crankshaft cradle comprises a primary eccentric member (24) and a plurality of smaller bearing caps (26) separated by a parting line. The crankshaft cradle comprises accentric members (24) that support the bearing element (64), and structural webbing (72) that rigidly holds the eccentric members (24) in alignment with one another at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Edward Charles Mendler
  • Patent number: 6637385
    Abstract: In the present apparatus, a bypass exhaust pipe which communicates between the cylinder bore and the exhaust passage is disposed in the region of bottom dead center of the piston in an engine that comprises a piston that performs a reciprocating motion between top dead center and bottom dead center inside a cylinder bore, electromagnetic actuators which use an electromagnetic force to open and close an intake valve and an exhaust valve that open and close a combustion chamber, and an exhaust passage. As a result, in an engine in which the intake and exhaust valves are opened and closed by an electromagnetic driving mechanism, the opening and closing of the exhaust valve by an electromagnetic urging force can be securely and accurately performed at a specified timing without increasing the size or cost of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Mikuni Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuo Muraji
  • Patent number: 6637386
    Abstract: Just after the start of an engine at cold start, an overlap in the opening time of an intake valve (7a) and an exhaust valve (7b) is controlled to include an intake stroke range, such that liquid fuel in an intake port (11) flows into a cylinder with the downward movement of a piston (16) without being directly exhausted to an exhaust side, so that the fuel can be combusted without fail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinichi Murata, Fumiaki Hiraishi, Kazuhiro Okuno, Hideo Nakai, Osamu Nakayama, Takashi Dogahara