Patents Issued in November 4, 2003
  • Patent number: 6640479
    Abstract: A hammer release apparatus for a hand held firearm which reduces the force required to discharge the firearm is disclosed which includes a hammer, a pivotably mounted trigger, and a restraining lever. The restraining lever engages the cocked hammer which is biased towards a firing position by a hammer spring. The restraining lever counteracts the force of the hammer spring to reduce the pull resistance associated with the trigger of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Heckler & Koch GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Gühring, Rudi Beckmann
  • Patent number: 6640480
    Abstract: A gun barrel cleaning system adapted for storage in the pistol grip of a firearm. The gun barrel cleaning system generally comprises a carrier unit that is removably mounted within the cavity of the pistol grip by a flanged mounting bracket, and a plurality of gun barrel cleaning tools stored in the carrier unit. The carrier unit comprises a bottom plate and a plurality of upstanding walls which collectively define a cavity in which the tools are stored, and an open top end. A pair of diametrically opposed slotted openings are formed through opposing walls, and the mounting bracket flanges include wedges formed thereon which are adapted to engage respective ones of the slotted openings. The mounting bracket is attached to the pistol grip by a bolt, thereby interconnecting the carrier unit to the pistol grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Williams, Nicholas Williams
  • Patent number: 6640481
    Abstract: A rifle telescope has a scope body having an objective end and an eyepiece end. A front mount and a rear mount are spaced apart from each other and connected to the scope body. The front mount is connected more proximate to the objective end, and the rear mount is connected more proximate to the eyepiece. The scope body is axially fixed to the front mount while being pivotally connected to the front mount. The rear mount includes an adjustable suspension operable to establish a selected vertical and horizontal position of the scope body portion received within the rear mount. The scope body may include a ball portion that interacts with a socket portion of the front mount to provide pivoting, or may include a flange that is constrained by elastomeric rings on the front mount to provide pivoting, centering, and shock absorption. The rear mount may be split in two portions to open and permit removal of the scope body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: John B. Williams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6640482
    Abstract: A dual powered fiber optic sight for a gun, which can be illuminated either by ambient light or by a light source. The light source is preferably a light-emitting diode (LED). Ambient light and light from the LED are carried by a fiber optic rod and the rod appears as a bright dot on the front sight of the gun. The electronics are enclosed and protected from the environment by a water-proof adhesive. The end of the fiber optic rod may be cut at a 45 degree angle to increase the rod's light-gathering ability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: John T. Carlson
  • Patent number: 6640483
    Abstract: A bird decoy apparatus that includes a plurality of flat decoy panels, each panel being shaped to simulate an appearance of a bird. Each of the plurality of decoy panels are attached to a suspension line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Andrew L. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6640484
    Abstract: A fishing line loading device for loading new fishing line onto a fishing reel, such as casting and spinning reels. The loading device can be demountably coupled to fishing rods of different thicknesses and can be used to load new fishing line from supply spools of various circumferences onto a fishing reel. The loading device includes a frame and securing structure, either or both of which can employ a structural rib pattern. The securing structure secures a supply spool to the frame and applies functional drag resistance to the supply spool. The device also includes coupling structure which couples the frame to a fishing rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Charles M. Russow
  • Patent number: 6640485
    Abstract: A low surface area profile fishing lure made of a generally two-dimensional frame. The frame bounds an opening shaped like the body of a fish, a tail portion and an eye portion. A propeller-like member associated with the tail portion and secured by a tube-like element causes the lure to spin when it is retrieved. An aperture in the tail portion provides a way to attach a fish hook, with or without a fish attractant. The eye portion has at least one loop where a fishing line can be attached as can a fish hook, also with or without a fish attractant. The hook attached to the eye portion is stabilized by a flexible sleeve on which is affixed at least one artificial eye. In the preferred embodiment, the eye portion is located interiorly of said opening shaped like the body of a fish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Matthew W. Dykema
  • Patent number: 6640486
    Abstract: A hook having a shank with an eye at one end and a bent portion culminating in a point at the other end and having a specific gravity greater than the specific gravity of water is combined with a buoyant body mounted on the hook and means connected to the hook which, in cooperation with the buoyant body, causes the point of the hook to float above the eye of the hook in the water. In one embodiment, the cooperating means is a weight mounted on the hook or made integrally as part of the hook and located between the eye of the hook and the buoyant body so as to cause the eye to orient below the buoyant body. In another embodiment, the cooperating means is a plug to which the eye is pivotally connected to provide a point about which the buoyant body will cause the hook to rotate and thus orient the point of the hook above the eye. In an alternate to the latter embodiment, the pivotal connection can be arranged so that the point of the hook is directed toward the rear of the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Jan Jay Rigney
  • Patent number: 6640487
    Abstract: A scent releasing fishing apparatus such as a downrigger weight. The apparatus includes a body having a cavity formed therein providing a reservoir to hold an amount of scented attractant in liquid form. A nozzle may be removably coupled with the body and in communication with the cavity for releasing the liquid material contained therein. A wicking member may be partially disposed in the cavity and extend through the nozzle orifice such that it is partially externally located relative to the body of the apparatus. The wicking member is formed of an absorbent material and assists in delivering the liquid material through the nozzle through a wicking or capillary action. The apparatus may be formed of a dense material such as lead for easy submersion in a body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: John S. Angwin
  • Patent number: 6640488
    Abstract: A holder for isolating an article from a surface is comprised of a receiving member for retaining an article in a position removed from a surface. A crawling arthropod-deterring component is applied at least adjacent to lower periphery of the receiving member. A base situated below the receiving member supports and stabilizes the receiving member and distributes a load applied by the retained article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: University of Florida
    Inventor: Ernest H. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6640489
    Abstract: A device is provided for the collection and disposal of insects and similarly sized detrital objects. The device includes an air inlet end through which air can be entrained, and an air outlet from which said entrained air is expelled. The device also includes a hollow duct portion through which entrained air passes and a filter means provided between the inlet and the outlet which prevent insects from being expelled through the outlet. Means are provided to create a pressure differential between the air inlet and air outlet of the device, such that air is entrained in the inlet and drawn through the duct portion of the device towards the outlet, additionally passing through the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Bug Buster Limited
    Inventor: David Boulton
  • Patent number: 6640490
    Abstract: A plant-protection mat, particularly in the form of a perforated disk which, in the use position above the root bale of a plant, is intended as soil covering. The perforated disk is formed from a coconut fiber nonwoven having coconut fibers bonded by latex. The coconut fibers of the perforated disk, on the one hand, are fixed by way of contour-forming stiffening edges and, on the other, the perforated disk in the region of the upper and lower covering zones, has pore structures with different opening widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Eberhard Boehringer
  • Patent number: 6640491
    Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for protecting plants from cold weather damage. A transparent, fluid-filled enclosure encircles a plant above the ground. A heater warms the fluid, which in turn warms the plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: John Gregory Fox
  • Patent number: 6640492
    Abstract: A wrapper for flower pots. The wrapper is a sheet of material with each segment having a lower portion sized to surround a sidewall of the flower pot and an upper portion detachable from the lower portion via a detaching element such as perforations. The sheet of material can be formed about the flower pot and the adjacent edges of the segment joined and sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 6640493
    Abstract: A wrapping material for wrapping a floral arrangement, a flower pot, or for forming a flower pot, comprising a sheet of material, an extension of the sheet of material attached to the sheet of material, the extension having design indicia thereon, wherein the sheet of material is sized to wrap about and substantially surround and encompass a floral arrangement, a flower pot, or contain a floral arrangement or potted plant. Methods of using the wrapping material to wrap a floral arrangement, a flower pot, and to form a flower pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Southpac Trust Int'l. Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Lisa A. Straeter
  • Patent number: 6640494
    Abstract: A drive system for closing devices, for example gates or shutters, with a variable speed output drive and a device for detecting a given characteristic of the drive, and is varied to maintain a substantially constant speed of the closing device as it moves between the open position and the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Marantec Antriebs-und Steuerungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Hörmann
  • Patent number: 6640495
    Abstract: An access hatch comprises a frame, a grate, and a pull member pivotally coupled to the grate. The frame contains an access opening. The grate has a near side and a far side. The near side is coupled to the frame for pivotal movement of the grate between a closed and an open position. In the closed position, the grate lies substantially in the access opening of the frame and blocks at least a portion of the opening. In the open position, the grate is oriented away from the opening of the frame to allow access through the opening. The pull member has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is pivotally coupled to the grate near the far side of the grate, such that the proximal end is moveable away from the grate from a rest position. The proximal end extends substantially to the near side of the grate when the proximal end is in the rest position. The proximal end is normally in the rest position when the grate is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Syracuse Castings Sales Corp.
    Inventor: Timothy J. McKernan
  • Patent number: 6640496
    Abstract: A door system including, a door movable between a closed vertical position and an open horizontal position, a cable attached to the door and normally providing a counterbalancing force to the door, the cable extending along a vertical line adjacent the door and being normally substantially taut, and an anti-drop assembly having a pawl pivotally supported on the door and attached to the cable, a stop surface positioned adjacent to the door, and a spring operable to urge the pawl toward engagement with the stop surface, wherein when taut the cable opposes the biasing force of the spring and wherein upon the cable going slack the spring urges the pawl into engagement with the stop surface to decelerate the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.
    Inventor: Willis J. Mullet
  • Patent number: 6640497
    Abstract: A door glass raising and falling apparatus has a carrier plate 71 mounted onto a door glass 70. The door glass 70 is movable along sashes 41, 42 disposed on a door. The carrier plate 71 includes securing portions that are fixed to moving portions 67a, 67b of a wire-rope body 67. The carrier plate 71 also has a glass support portion 74 for supporting the door glass 70, and a pair of front and rear glass fixing portions 77, 78 each including a screw member 75. The door glass 70 has mounting holes supported by the glass fixing portions 77, 78, respectively. The dimension of the mounting holes is larger than the outside diameter of the shaft portion of each of the screw members 75 so that the door glass 70 is moveable with respect to the carrier plate 71. Also, a wire-rope body 150 extends over a plurality of pulleys. Some of the pulleys 142, 143 are rotatably mounted on frame members 136, 137 by pulley shafts 182 respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Ansei Corporation
    Inventors: Masatoshi Sakaguchi, Toshiaki Uchikata, Koji Ishii
  • Patent number: 6640498
    Abstract: A door structure has a first plate with an opening enclosed by a peripheral edge and a door connected to this first plate by a hinge construction, which first plate carries a number of clamps which are simultaneously rotatable by an operating mechanism with an operating handle and through rotation can co-act with the peripheral surfaces of corresponding non-round continuous holes in the door. The peripheral surfaces each have a contact surface inclining relative to the main plane of the door structure, and the continuous holes have a form such that the clamps can pass therethrough. The peripheral edge is deformable under the influence of an air pressure pulse acting on the door structure in the closed position such that at least the door can be pressed out of the main plane it occupies when the door structure is in the closed position while maintaining the sealing co-action between the door and the peripheral edge, and the mechanical integrity of the door structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO
    Inventor: Dirk Hugo Groeneveld
  • Patent number: 6640499
    Abstract: A door weather strip structure includes a first weather strip and a second weather strip, fitted into a door sash. A seal block kept in elastic contact with a retainer of the door sash is provided in the vicinity of a connection between a molded part which is a portion of the second weather strip, corresponding to the roof of an automobile, and an extruded part on the side of a pillar, positioned on a side opposite from an extruded part on the side of a center pillar. The seal block prevents water intruding on the molded part from flowing down through the gap passage formed among the first weather strip, the second weather strip, and the door sash making ingress into the interior of the automobile through the lower part of the front pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignees: Nishikawa Rubber Co., Ltd., Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Yamashita, Masaki Soda
  • Patent number: 6640500
    Abstract: A door module employs the window lift structure as a frame or skeleton for providing structural support directly to a relatively thin trim panel. In one embodiment of the invention, the window lift structure includes a Π-shaped skeleton made of a pair of spaced legs extending downwardly from an upper horizontally extending reinforcement member to which the relatively thin trim panel is secured. The module is then attached to a vehicle metal door frame and skin in a conventional manner. In another embodiment, the window lift structure has a single arm which extends downwardly from a horizontally extending reinforcement member and a supplemental spaced leg. is provided and coupled to the trim panel to complete the construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. Stout
  • Patent number: 6640501
    Abstract: A stair covering material substantially impervious to liquid running the length of a flight of stairs, with a plurality of individually spaced, step-upon treads at the top side and a plurality of individually spaced non-skid, non-slip surfaces at the under side, and with the covering material having a resistive strength to withstand the weight of a person walking thereon, and a flexibility to fold flat between adjacent ones of the individually spaced step-upon treads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Darren E. Hussey
  • Patent number: 6640502
    Abstract: A fluid leak capture and drainage system for ceiling leaks which includes a ceiling panel support grid and a plurality of ceiling panels mounted thereon is disclosed. The ceiling panel has a raised platform located in the center of the panel and a wall extending along the periphery of the panel so that a perimeter trough is formed between the platform and the wall. The wall has a top edge and a rim extending outwardly and generally perpendicularly from the top edge of the wall and at least one opening formed through the wall. A fitting is connected to the opening and tubing is attached to the fitting for draining the trough as fluid collects therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Stephen M. Mueller
  • Patent number: 6640503
    Abstract: A deck post (or brace) having a non-circular cross-section is secured to a roof deck. A lead pipe jack (sleeve) is slid over the post. A waterproofing assembly having a collar and a skirt is provided; the collar has an opening with generally the same non-circular cross-section as that of the post. The collar opening is positioned on the deck post, and the unit is slid down the post until the collar is at the top of the sleeve, the skirt extending down over the sleeve. A clamp is then positioned and tightened around the collar to provide a watertight seal on the deck post. When the post is already installed on a roof deck and the sleeve and the waterproofing assembly cannot be slid into place on the post, a modified retrofit waterproofing assembly and sleeve are used to provide the waterproofing. The modified sleeve is a split lead flashing jack with an open seam on one side. The sleeve is opened up, wrapped around the post and soldered closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventors: Lawrence P. Evensen, Mark Andersen, Richard Spindel
  • Patent number: 6640504
    Abstract: A vertically moveable swimming pool floor apparatus includes a rigid planar platform configured to fit the planform area of a swimming pool, and a plurality of hydraulically powered hoists coupled to the platform to raise and lower the platform. The hoists are controlled by a control system operated by the user. The hoists controllably actuate the platform into and out of a swimming pool cavity, such that effective depth of the swimming pool is variable in a continuous range. The platform is equipped with depth indicators to allow users to observe the effective depth of the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: FLG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James Pearlson, Raymond Pearlson
  • Patent number: 6640505
    Abstract: A hybrid arched overfilled structure includes a combination of pre-cast side elements and at least one cast-in-place crown sector element. The side elements are pre-cast generally in a horizontal orientation and subsequently lifted into place. The crown sector element is cast in place between the side elements. In one form of the invention, each of the three sections makes up about one-third of the overall arch span.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: BEBOTech Corporation
    Inventor: Werner Heierli
  • Patent number: 6640506
    Abstract: A bird deterrent apparatus has a base for attaching to a surface and a post attached thereto and extending therefrom in a generally vertical direction when attached to a top of a pole. A plurality of moveable fingers are attached to the post and each of the attached fingers extend at a downward angle and away from the post so that a bird landing on one of the plurality of movable fingers will cause the movable fingers to move and prevent the bird from perching thereon. A plurality of fingers are spaced around the post and may be flexible metal members, or alternatively, may be a plurality of rigid rods each forming a pair of fingers by the rod extending through a bore in the post and being bent downward on each side of the post so that a pair of fingers are attached and swing in seesaw fashion so that a bird landing on the one finger of a pair will move it downward while moving the opposite attached finger upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Phillip G. Landers
  • Patent number: 6640507
    Abstract: An acoustic building structure configured to be fixed to a framework of a building and including at least one first acoustic assembly that includes a panel of mineral wool and a bearer of the panel of mineral wool. The bearer includes a pair of one lower and one upper section pieces spaced apart by a spacing p and each of which includes a respective web each facing the other, and a respective flange bent at right angles to the associated web. The flanges are in one and the same plane and face towards each other. The panel of mineral wool is housed between the webs of the section pieces, and the acoustic assembly includes a rigid panel fixed against the outer faces of the flanges of the section pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Isover
    Inventor: Alain Leconte
  • Patent number: 6640508
    Abstract: A roof window assembly is composed of a window component, a main frame component and, optionally, an integrated flashing component. The window component may be used independently and without modifications for a roof window installation employing a curb-frame. The window component features a novel design with an glazing element fitted in a profiled sheet metal frame, which can be made from a single continuous sheet metal profile bent into a polygonal frame shape with corner junctions. In both fixed and ventilating versions of the roof window assembly identical connecting members into open mutual engagement at the top side of the window and main frame components provides for easy mounting and dismounting of the window component with respect to the main frame component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: VKR Holding A/S
    Inventors: Claes Lindgren, Birgitte Hansen, Samuel Howard Darmer, Morten Falk Reventlow, Brent Møller, Lars Erdmann
  • Patent number: 6640509
    Abstract: An adjustable length bracing device can be installed in a window frame or door frame to secure a sheet of covering material that is positioned to protect the window or door from flying debris resulting from a hurricane, tornado, or other storm. The brace device consists of two independent and moveable bars, which can be adjusted to fit the inside of a window or door opening. The adjustment is made by the use of a metal clip attached to one bar and inserted into a notch on the other bar. The ends of each bar have rubber pads to help prevent marring the window or door opening or frame and to prevent any slipping of the bracing device assembly. Once the assembly is in position, a locking metal ring holds both independent bars together to prevent movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Gateway Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale M. Clewis
  • Patent number: 6640510
    Abstract: A method of constructing stained glass window systems is described. The stained glass window system includes a stained glass panel that includes a stained glass member joined to a seam member of a frame member with a joining material. A metal decorative silhouette is placed on one of the major surfaces of the stained glass panel and is joined thereto by applying a joining material to an aperture formed in the silhouette. In this manner, the silhouette obscures the seam member of the frame member. Optionally, a second silhouette may be joined to the opposing major face of the stained glass panel so that the design of the silhouette may be viewed from either side of the stained glass window. Additionally, the stained glass window system can be provided with at least one glass panel member, a peripheral frame member and peripheral insulation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Kane
  • Patent number: 6640511
    Abstract: An anchor plate for securing a membrane to a sub-structure such as a roof, tunnel, tank etc. The plate has an elevated bonding platform and a enlarged central countersink, sufficiently deep to accommodate the head of a fastening screw, without the screw head protruding above the top profile of the anchor plate when the screw secures the plate to the underlying substructure. The height difference between the bonding platform and the base of the countersink together with the fact that the countersink area is wider than the head of the screw ensures that when the screw is fastened to the underlying substructure, the bonding platform does not flex. The bonding platform carries a heat activated adhesive which is inductively heated to secure an overlying membrane to the substructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Valro Manufacturing Limited
    Inventor: Roger Vernon Rufus Link
  • Patent number: 6640512
    Abstract: A siding panel is supported by a hanging guide while that siding panel is being maneuvered into a desired position with respect to a support surface. The hanger is attached to the support surface and includes a pocket which accommodates an edge of the siding panel. Once the siding panel is supported by the hanging guide, the siding panel is fixed to the support surface. Once the siding panel is fixed to the support surface, the hanging guide is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventors: Charles T. Kinnaman, Pamela Kinnaman
  • Patent number: 6640513
    Abstract: A combination floor structure includes multiple main boards, and multiple connecting boards. Each of the main boards is a rectangular plate, and has four corners each formed with a recessed portion which has a central position protruded with a locking lug which has a center formed with a locking recess. Each of the connecting boards has an outer periphery formed with multiple connecting recesses each of which may allow insertion of the locking lug of the main board, so as to lock and position the locking lug of the main board. Each of the connecting recesses has a center protruded with a connecting lug that may be inserted into and locked in the locking recess of the main board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Chen Chung Ku
  • Patent number: 6640514
    Abstract: The invention concerns a modular wall or double wall element (S) for dry assembly characterized in that some at least (1a, 1b, 31a, 31b) of its faces arranged to co-operate with adjacent modular elements have contact parts (2a, 2b; 32a, 32a, ′ 32b, 32b′) designed to be pressed against said adjacent modular elements, and separating parts (3a, 3a′, 3b, 3b′ 33a′, 33b) arranged to remain separated by a clearance of said adjacent modular elements, said clearance being sufficiently large to limit, even eliminate, infiltration of water by capillary action. The invention is applicable to the field of construction building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventors: Jérome Guibert, Jean-Yves Moulin
  • Patent number: 6640515
    Abstract: Disclosed is a friction stir welding technique which avoids occurrence of a dent, in a joining region, extending to a level beneath the joined surfaces. At end portions of the frame members to be joined, at the joining region, thickened parts which project toward the rotary body joining tool are provided. Two adjoining thickened parts, of adjacent members to be joined, can form a trapezoid shape. The rotary body joining tool has a small-diameter tip portion and a larger diameter portion. The rotary body joining tool is inserted in the thickened parts. In a state where the rotary body joining tool has been inserted small-diameter tip end first, to a level where the larger diameter portion of the rotary body joining tool overlaps the thickened part but does not extend below the upper surface of the non-thickened surfaces of the members joined, the rotary body is rotated and moved along the joining region. Even when a gap exists between two thickened parts, a desirable joining can be carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kinya Aota, Masakuni Ezumi, Yasuo Ishimaru, Hisanori Okamura, Isao Funyuu, Akihiro Satou
  • Patent number: 6640516
    Abstract: An improved metal connector that securely ties together sheathing and underlying structural members on a building to prevent hurricane and earthquake damage. The connector has alternating sheathing tabs for securing multiple sheets of sheathing. Connected underneath the sheathing tabs, a rib separates the sheathing and correctly spaces each adjoining sheet with a slight gap to avoid buckling. Below the rib, rafter webs alternate with the sheathing tabs to prevent movement of the sheathing and rafter. The large surface area and precise nail holes on the sheathing tabs avoid sheathing splitting and assures correct attachment to the underlying structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas C. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6640517
    Abstract: A pole mounting system mountable on a footing and used for supporting vertical structures. The system includes a pole having a lower end terminating in a lower edge, a base plate having an opening, and ears attached transversely to the base plate adjacent to the opening. The pole is secured within the opening in the base plate to allow the base plate to provide improved structural support. The ears are vertically aligned with the pole and are welded to the pole along their upper edges. The lower edge of the pole is also welded to the base plate. The ears can be integrally formed from the base plate in a process whereby, first, interconnected slots are cut into the base plate such that the slots define the ears, and second, the ears are bent upward so that the ears can received the pole. No additional supports or weld pieces are necessary, so that the improved mounting system may provide sufficient support with two pieces, the pole and the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Ruud Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: James Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6640518
    Abstract: A mortar of a granulated mineral wool, a hydraulic binder and water is placed on a roof to prevent roof covering layer(s) of a substantially flat roof from being blown up in stormy conditions. The roof surface to be ballasted is divided into panels by placing joint elements thereon. The mineral wool component includes rockwool waste originating from horticulture and glass fibre wool waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Frederikus Gerardus Maria Bol
  • Patent number: 6640519
    Abstract: An apparatus (50) for securing a fastening strip (58) to a web (18) of packaging material comprises an anvil (100) which defines a support surface for the web. The support surface has an elongate recess (104) for receiving the fastening strip. There is a moveable sealing device (116) disposed opposite and below the support surface and a retractable support element (130) disposed between the support surface and sealing device. A feeding arrangement feeds the fastening strip along the recess and between the support element and the support surface arrangement. Suction is applied via a vacuum chamber (102) to hold the fastening strip in the recess and permit the support element to be retracted to a position which permits the sealing device to move the web into engagement with the support surface and the fastening strip with the fastening strip received in the recess to permit sealing of the fastening strip to the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Molins PLC
    Inventor: James Goodwin
  • Patent number: 6640520
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for roll packing a variety of compressible materials including a radially collapsible mandrel for easy removal of the roll packed material without tearing or telescoping of the material. The apparatus further includes an adjustable compression roller for setting the amount of compression in the rolled material and a roll handling device that facilitates removal of finished rolls from the apparatus. In one embodiment of the invention, a packing material dispenser supplies packing material to the in-fed compressible material as it is wound upon the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Josip Gecic
  • Patent number: 6640521
    Abstract: An unflapped envelope (60) is fed, with its crease line trailing, along a path (42) from an envelope feeder and between the rollers of a reversibly driveable roller pair (43), for onward transfer to, for example, an insertion station. When the crease line reaches a predetermined point in front of the roller pair (43), the drive is reversed and the envelope with the crease line leading directed along a flapper path, including a deflecting surface 46; to a flapping chamber or zone (47), at least until the flap (61) is engageable by a flapper blade (44;44a). The drive is then reversed again and the envelope driven back along the flapper path, a flap opening surface (49) of a flapper blade (44) or a pair of flapper blade elements (44a), causing the flap (61) to be stripped from the body of the envelope (60) as it exits the flapping zone, and proceeds to the insertion station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Barry W. Simkins, Peter Watson
  • Patent number: 6640522
    Abstract: A method of packing rearms of sheets, wherein each ream is defined by sheets stacked to form a rectangular-base prism of a given height, and has two base faces defined by respective end sheets in the ream, two lateral faces perpendicular to the base faces, and two end faces. The method providing for feeding the ream along a given path in a feed direction parallel to the base faces. Placing a sheet of packing material along the path of the ream and perpendicular to the feed direction, and conveying the ream and the sheet of packing material in the feed direction through a folding spindle to fold the sheet of packing material into a U about the ream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Innopack SRL
    Inventors: Luca Antoniazzi, Andrea Cinotti
  • Patent number: 6640523
    Abstract: A system for continuously packaging or sorting fragile articles having varying thicknesses in a stack includes a plurality of proportional shifters coupled to each of a plurality of stripping devices in an article infeed assembly. Each proportional shifter has an article gauge for measuring the height of a stack having a set or desired number of fragile articles, such as crackers or cookies. An article stripping device may be quickly and accurately adjusted in-process to measure the thickness of a set number of stacked articles contained in a given batch coming from an article infeed. The article gauge provides a measure of the height of a stack of a set number of articles sampled from an article infeed. The stack height is equivalent to the height of the stack of articles stripped by the strip feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore E. Jones, Jr., William A. Blain, Steve A. Ramos, Edward Drake, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6640524
    Abstract: A latch inserted in an animal rigging and controllably releasable for quick unlatching. Such a rigging is normally cinched about the body of the animal for various purposes, but with the latch in the rigging, the rigging can be quickly released from the animal when desired. For a bull rigging, the latch is inserted in the rope that assists a rider in maintaining balance on the animal and allows the rider to be quickly separated from the animal if a limb of the rider becomes caught in the rope when the rider is thrown from the animal. The bull rigging includes a holder or handle interfittingly engaged by a limb of the rider while mounted on the animal to aid the rider in remaining balance on the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Dunton, Steven M. Dunton
  • Patent number: 6640525
    Abstract: A novel saddle pad will help disburse the pressure over a greater area on the animal's back, thus reducing pressure points and reducing discomfort for the animal. The saddle pad works by providing a bar cutout area that is thinner than the remainder of the saddle pad. Saddle skirts, while somewhat flexible, generally have some rigidity. The saddle is placed over the saddle pad with the tree resting over the thinner, bar cutout area, while the remainder of the saddle skirt rests over the thicker, standard area. The skirt flexes outwardly slightly, but as it resist further outward flexion, there is an equalization of the pressure exerted from the saddle and rider over the entire underside of the saddle rather mainly under the tree. In this manner, downward force is disbursed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Larry Coats
  • Patent number: 6640526
    Abstract: A zero-turning radius self-propelled power lawn mower includes a standing platform structure for supporting a standing operator during mower operation. The mower has a combination parking brake and pump lockout structure which, when actuated, simultaneously applies a braking force to rear drive wheels and prevents hydro pumps from being moved from their neutral positions. The mower also includes a biasing system for automatically returning hand control levers to their neutral positions when they are not being manipulated by an operator. Unique cutter deck structure, caster structure, grass catcher structure, and steering control levers are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright
  • Patent number: 6640527
    Abstract: The mechanism alters the position of a set of auger fingers positioned in front of a feederhouse opening relative to auger fingers on the outer ends of a transverse auger of a header of a combine harvester. A center finger auger shaft is positioned between two outer finger auger shafts. An outer shaft plate having a series of radially placed holes may be adjusted to change the position of a center shaft plate. This changes the position of the center auger finger shaft affixed to the center shaft plate. This permits the auger fingers to be moved either towards or away from the header floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert M. Farley, James F. Rayfield
  • Patent number: 6640528
    Abstract: A tractor mounted boom structure is provided where the boom is adapted, in one mode, to connect a rotary cutter and in a second mode is adapted to connect to a bucket to form a backhoe. The system comprises a mainframe structure adapted to be mounted to a tractor such as by a three-point hitch associated with a tractor. Extending from the frame structure is a first or Primary boom. Connected to the end of the first boom is a second boom. An array of hydraulic cylinders is provided that enables the first boom to articulate with respect to the frame structure and permits the second boom to articulate with respect to the first boom. The second boom is provided with a connector assembly that enables the second boom to be connected to either a rotary cutter or to a bucket. When used to support a rotary cutter, the first boom is generally maintained in a locked position with respect to the mainframe structure of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Scott Rowland