Patents Issued in November 25, 2003
  • Patent number: 6651351
    Abstract: A method for measuring structures of an object using a feeler element associated with a coordinate measuring instrument and extending from an elastic bendable feeler extension is disclosed, and wherein the feeler element is brought into contact with an object having structures to be measured and the position of the feeler is then determined by comparing the position of the feeler as determined by the coordinate measuring instrument with the position determined by the optical sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Werth Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Christoph, Eugen Trapet, Heinrich Schwenke
  • Patent number: 6651352
    Abstract: A device and a method for measuring wrist motion is provided. The device allows for direct determination of wrist position in the radial/ulnar and flexion/extension planes, without needing calibration or determination of the center of rotation of the wrist. The goniometer forearm component is adapted to be releasably affixed to a forearm of a user. A hand component is also provided adapted to be releasably affixed to a hand of the user. The displacement measuring devices include cables adapted to be connected to the hand component. The displacement measuring devices are configured to ultimately measure angular displacement of the hand component relative to the forearm component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Liberty Mutual
    Inventors: Raymond W. McGorry, Chien-Chi Chang, Patrick G. Dempsey
  • Patent number: 6651353
    Abstract: A rail alignment system for locating a first end piece and a second end piece of a first rail section and a second rail section. The rail alignment system comprises (a) a first rail alignment tool for engaging and applying force to said first rail section; and (b) a second rail alignment tool for engaging and applying force to said second rail section. The first rail alignment tool includes: (1) a planar plate for extending transversely beneath said first rail section; (2) a pair of block members, each secured to said planar plate and each defining a threaded cavity which is substantially orthogonal to said first rail section and which are aligned with one another; (3) a pair of externally threaded bolts, each adapted for engaging one of said threaded cavities of said pair of block members; and (4) a pair of contoured rail engagement end pieces, each secured to an inner terminating portion of said pair of externally threaded bolts for engaging said first rail section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company
    Inventors: Donald G. Evans, Charles V. Blackwell, Terry E. Turner, Bobby L. Smith
  • Patent number: 6651354
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved retractable tape measure of the type including a housing (12) having an opening (14), a retractable measuring tape (16) with top (18) and bottom (20) surfaces, edges (22, 24) that turn upward so as to stiffen the tape (16) from being bent downward by the force of gravity, a free end (26) that extends through the opening (14), an end stop (28) that is mounted on the tape's free end (26), and top measurement indicia (30) that are inscribed on the top surface (18) of the measuring tape (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Mark Odachowski
  • Patent number: 6651355
    Abstract: A device for determining the range/height of distant objects using the triangulation method. The device includes a palm-sized housing having merely four main components; (1) a retractable tape measure; (2) a sighting slot; (3) a pendulum and (4) a calibrated graph. A reel is disposed on the rear wall of the housing to provide means for retracting the tape measure. The calibrated graph is imprinted on the face of a thin sheet, which sheet is attached to the front wall of the housing. A transparent cover is disposed to protect the face of the sheet. An offset portion on the sheet functions to prevent the pendulum from swinging freely when the device is not in use. The sighting slot is positioned at the top of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: William H. Byrd
  • Patent number: 6651356
    Abstract: An air ionizing drying includes an elongated housing that has an interior, an inlet opening, and an elongated outlet opening. A microcontroller is positioned in the interior of the housing. A control panel is coupled to the housing and operationally coupled to the microcontroller. An intake conduit is positioned in the housing and extends from the intake opening. A heating assembly is positioned in the interior of the housing for receiving air passing through the intake conduit. The heating assembly is operationally coupled to the microcontroller. A manifold is environmentally coupled to the heating assembly for receiving air passing through the heating assembly. A fan assembly has a plurality of fans and is coupled to the manifold for drawing air through the manifold. An outlet conduit extends between the fan assembly and the outlet opening. An ionizing assembly is coupled to the outlet conduit for ionizing air passing through the outlet conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Alice C. Buehring
  • Patent number: 6651357
    Abstract: Integrated web dryer and regenerative heat exchanger, as well as a method of drying a web of material using the same. The apparatus and method of the present invention provides for the heating of air and the converting of VOCs to harmless gases in a fully integrated manner via the inclusion of a regenerative combustion device as an integral element of the drying apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Megtec Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Bria, Alan D. Fiers, Andreas C. H. Rühl
  • Patent number: 6651358
    Abstract: Heat transfer fluid mixtures and methods of making and using same are presented. The inventive heat transfer fluid mixtures consist essentially of at least one light gas, such as hydrogen, and at least one heavy fluid, such as helium wherein the mixture will not be capable of mixing with air in any proportions to produce a self-sustaining flammable or combustible mixture, or wherein a concentration of hydrogen is sufficient to reduce cost of the mixture to an amount substantially less than cost of pure helium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: American Air Liquide, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick W. Giacobbe
  • Patent number: 6651359
    Abstract: An interchangeable shoe strap system for altering the decorative look of a shoe. The interchangeable shoe strap system includes a shoe having strap members for securing the shoe to a user's foot, and a plurality of decorative strap covers which are selectively couplable to the strap members for altering the overall appearance of the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Cheryl D. Bricker
  • Patent number: 6651360
    Abstract: A wedge-soled bowling shoe has selectable percentages of regions of different coefficients of friction of traction characteristics and different coefficients of friction of slide characteristics on a shoe sole surface. The shoe gives the bowler precise control over relative amounts of slide and/or traction action of each shoe. The bowler can readily change the relative amounts of slide and/or traction action of each shoe by changing a replaceable sole member of the desired percentages of regions of high or low traction and high or low slide to accommodate differing conditions and differing styles of bowling. Using one of a plurality of pairs of replaceable sole members, a first member of each pair is constructed of two materials, each of a different coefficient of friction to provide slide characteristics and a second member of each pair is constructed of two materials, each of a different coefficient of friction to provide traction characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Lind
  • Patent number: 6651361
    Abstract: A combination machine for trenching, for forming the edge of a bed, and for laying and burying tubing, cable, piping, and the like. The machine includes steerable caster wheels mounted on the rear of the machine which, together with a single front wheel, allow for a tight turning radius when using the machine. The machine also includes a blade height adjustment which allows for the trenching or edging blade depth to be readily adjusted in a substantially infinite variation. Other aspects of the present invention include an edging machine and a trenching machine, both being of a compact design. Both include an extendable handle which, in a preferred embodiment retracts or folds to allow for the volume of space occupied by the machines to be minimized, preferably, to the extent that either of such machines can typically be carried in a trunk of a standard automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventors: Roger D. Porter, Jerome C. Burroughs
  • Patent number: 6651362
    Abstract: A cable identification system includes a split sleeve label spacer positionable substantially circumferentially around a cable, and an adhesive label securable circumferentially around the label spacer. A method of securing identifying indicia to small diameter fiber optic cables is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventor: Jack E. Caveney
  • Patent number: 6651363
    Abstract: An image display and viewer assembly for providing a slide viewer incorporated into a displayed image. The image display and viewer assembly includes a main structure for holding and displaying an image. A slide viewer assembly is incorporated into the image to permit viewing of a backlit slide when one looks through the slide viewer assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Mark Johnson
  • Patent number: 6651364
    Abstract: A display globe assembly includes a transparent dome defining a cavity in which a scene is disposed and a base supporting the transparent dome. A shaft is rotatably disposed within the cavity of the dome and is rotated by a driving mechanism. An arm is attached to and projects generally radially from a distal end of the shaft within the cavity and engages an ornament disposed on exterior surface of the dome to move it thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Mr. Christmas Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Hermanson, Meng-Suen Huang
  • Patent number: 6651365
    Abstract: Apparatus for producing a continuous animated display of one or more images within a single display frame space utilizing sequenced illumination patterns or arrays of groups of optical fibers for illuminating each of a plurality of sub-frame images in a pre-programmed, timed sequence to achieve one or more animation techniques imparting continuous animated motion to the one or more images for producing the desired animated motion on a planar surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: ANI-Motion, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry L. Wainwright
  • Patent number: 6651366
    Abstract: A system and components are provided for assembling at least two boards into a composite. A pair of bridging members may each be secured to an associated board and have a central surface portion spaced apart from the surface of the associated board. An elongate bar is provided having a length, width and thickness effective to permit the bar to be inserted between the central surface portion and board surface of two adjacent bridging members so that the bar tends to hold the two boards in a predetermined alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: John Duncan
  • Patent number: 6651367
    Abstract: An emergency message sign device for vehicles for drawing attention to a disabled vehicle to receive assistance. The device includes a sign holder for supporting interchangeable signs. The sign holder comprises a front panel having upper and lower ends, and a rear panel having upper and lower ends. The upper ends of the panels are pivotally connected together for permitting pivot movement of the front panel with respect to the rear panel, so that the front and rear panels are pivotally movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The sign holder includes a pocket being formed on a front of the front panel. The pocket has a closed end positioned adjacent the lower end of the front panel and an opening located intermediate the upper and lower ends of the front panel. A plurality of signs is removably insertable into the pocket. Each of the signs has a front surface with indicia marked thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Demetrio Barragan
  • Patent number: 6651368
    Abstract: A sheet material container, which, when observed, gives a uniform geometric appearance. The appearance of the container of the present invention is accomplished through the use of an oval-shaped base section and an oval brim spaced by a lateral wall. These cooperate to provide lateral, opposed, crescent-shaped pockets which hold an oval-shaped sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Stevenson T. Blanks, I.
  • Patent number: 6651369
    Abstract: An improved attention getting inexpensive brandsign apparatus adapted to existing retail-store merchandise-isle shelf-face pricing-channer use, wherein a special transparent flexisle plastic envelope-pocket uniquely combines a tab like appendage for insertion into the vertical receiver-slot of a standard existing slider-clip. The new more durable, convenient, and attractive planar sign-holder generally momprises two-layers of vinyl-sheeting material fused-together about three perimeter-sides, thereby forming a readily accessible pocket;—facilitating quick and easy recurrent substitution of sales-information exhibited therewithin upon a double-faced paper placard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Keating, Pamela S. Tagariello
  • Patent number: 6651370
    Abstract: A decoration includes a thin cover sheet onto which an image has been printed and which has been formed into a contoured shape at least partially corresponding to the image. A support layer, which preferably is thicker than the cover sheet, has a contour which substantially follows the contour of the cover sheet. The support member lies behind the cover sheet to provide structural support and may be formed with ribs for additional structural support. In a preferred embodiment, the cover sheet and the support are clamped between a frame and a backing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Alexander M. Sud
  • Patent number: 6651371
    Abstract: The present invention is a modular stock system for rifles. The system replaces the rifle's buffer tube with a modified one containing a mount for a constant cheek weld and a rail track for adjustment. A hind portion then mounts on the replacement buffer tube. The hind portion is interchangeable depending on the user's needs. Various configurations of the hind portion are discussed, including adjustable stocks, fixed stocks, and specialized stocks. The hind portion may be made even further modular by the addition of rail system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventors: Richard Mark Fitzpatrick, Stephen Charles Hines
  • Patent number: 6651372
    Abstract: A firearm accessory holder which facilitates the secure carry and rapid deployment of a loaded full-moon clip when being worn on the waist belt. The carrier mounts to the wearer's waist belt by means of a belt loop. It secures the loaded full-moon clip by means of a wearer adjustable central compression expansion shaft in combination with a snap secured leather flap cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Mathew Del Fatti
  • Patent number: 6651373
    Abstract: An ice fishing device for increasing the effective radial fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole comprising a fishing rig with a vertical post and a generally horizontal extendable arm. The vertical post moves axially and rotatably relative to the fishing rig and the extendable arm extends radially from the axis of the post for increasing the effective radial fishing range beyond the radius of the fishing hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Gary G. Harris
  • Patent number: 6651374
    Abstract: A fishing rod holder includes adjustable legs that are movebly attached to a housing and which include telescoping sections and an anchor unit that is telescopingly mounted on the housing. Rod clamp units attach a fishing rod to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Robert L. Ridlen
  • Patent number: 6651375
    Abstract: A weedless fishing lure of hard bodied design of multiple embodiments, which is adapted to be connected to a fishing line, the one single hook of which is connected to the lure body by a through shaft and rotates about the shaft, said body containing a cavity large enough to completely house the hooking point of the hook while it is being fished, and having a mechanism to keep the hook hidden until deployment is desired, said hook being deployable to the hooking position by back pressure against the attached fishing line and said hook remaining deployed by back pressure against the attached line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Michael R. Parrish
  • Patent number: 6651376
    Abstract: A method-and apparatus for attracting fish using a sound producing fishing accessory the mimics the sound of a fish's prey. The apparatus provides blind positive engagement of a hook and a sound producing device embedded with an artificial bait. A fisherman is able to positively engage the sound producing device to the hook by feel alone. The sound producing device is designed and adapted to guide a hook into positive engagement therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Skirts Plus Corporation
    Inventor: Donald J. Link
  • Patent number: 6651377
    Abstract: A live insect (e.g. cricket) dispensing cage to be used by fishermen enables one insect at a time to be selectively dispensed and encourages the insect to travel within the cage interior to a distal end portion of the cage housing that is less illuminated and that has a dispensing outlet. A trigger and pushrod linkage arrangement can be used to open and close a valve that registers in an outlet opening through which insects are to be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: John P. Pleasants
  • Patent number: 6651378
    Abstract: A refillable bait station for containing and holding a bait for insects. The bait is stored in an interior chamber of the invention. A ramp extending from beneath the station allows the insects to reach the bait within the bait station. The ramp is supported by a pyramidal shaped housing having tapering sidewalls that allow the insects to descend to the level of the bait. A floating feeding pad extending from the periphery of the housing allows the insects to access the bait without the risk of becoming trapped. The station can be secured to the ground by a security stake having a plurality of retaining members thereon or to a dry, hard surface with double-sided adhesive tape. A tamper resistant filling cap allows the station to be refilled through an access aperture equipped with a spill proof shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Stanley Z. Baker
  • Patent number: 6651379
    Abstract: A device for manually capturing and restraining intended insects, the same comprising a pad of stacked, singular sheets each sheet having a partial enveloping means comprised of hydrophillic absorbing material and collapsible sheet construction whereby the sheet partially conforms in reposne to the insects body mass. Each sheet has a region is coated with a mild compression adhesive material capable of trapping of an insect in response to the physical manipulation by a human being. The pad of stacked adhesive sheets can be used by separating each sheet individually or as a stack. Upon apprehension of an insect, the sheet restraining the insect is separated, if not already separated from its stack, folded to encase the insect and ready for disposal. The pad of stacked adhesive sheets can have various sheet sizes, thickness and density with varying enveloping ability—all depending upon intended insect to be trapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: David Nelson
  • Patent number: 6651380
    Abstract: An insect collection device (10) comprises an elongated housing (20) extending in a downstream direction between first (22) and second (24) ends about a housing interior. A partition (36) separates the interior (26) into an upstream region proximate the first end (22) and a downstream region proximate the second end (24). The partition (36) is constructed to permit airflow between these regions, while impeding passage of insects therebetween. A movable closure (50) is disposed on a first end portion (33) of the housing to move between a closed position and an open position to create an entryway into the upstream region. A compression chamber (70) is disposed on a second end portion of the housing (20) and moves between compressed and uncompressed positions to urge the closure into the second/open position such that insects in a vicinity of the first end (22) are drawn into the upstream region for collection. A methodology for capturing insects is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Philip W. Wyers
  • Patent number: 6651381
    Abstract: A synthetic resin molded material characterized in that a thin film made of an oxide of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Si, Zr, Ti, Ta, Hf, Mo, W, Nb, Sn, In, Al and Zn, is formed by a dry method on a synthetic resin substrate having hydrophobicity, and a method for its production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Harada, Atsushi Hayashi, Tatsuo Momii, Teruo Takakura, Seitoku Kaya
  • Patent number: 6651382
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to develop a technique for preventing the release of pollens in order to keep varieties from hybridizing. It has become clear that the application of jasmonic acid derivatives to the ear of a gramineous plant before the time of flowering inhibits the bloom and prevents the release of pollens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: National Agricultural Research Organization
    Inventors: Ichiro Honda, Michihiro Wada, Tokuhiko Makino
  • Patent number: 6651383
    Abstract: The invention relates to disposing of unwanted waste waters produced from purifying water. The methods of the present invention include applying waste water containing 0.15% by weight of the salts of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cl, SO4, and CO3 and mixtures thereof to soil to control dust, effect soil stabilization, seal ponds, inhibit root rot, and irrigate soil. The invention also relates to the utilization of waste waters within cooling towers and for laundry applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Gerald J. Grott
  • Patent number: 6651384
    Abstract: An indexable vacuum formed nursery tray and a method of making same, the tray being formed from a sheet of plastic material and including a plurality of rows of vacuum formed cells positioned between at least two spaced rows of indexing apertures formed in the sheet and wherein the thickness of the plastic sheet at least the zones containing the indexing apertures being no less then the minimum thickness of the street of plastic material prior to forming and preferably of a thickness greater than said minimum thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Williames Hi-Tech International Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Geoffrey Alan Williames
  • Patent number: 6651385
    Abstract: A non-contact sensor system controls movement of a door moving in a first direction by actuation of a device. The system includes a transmitter extending a predetermined distance beyond a leading edge of the door at a first door end for transmitting a signal toward a second door end. The transmitter is attached to the door by a first moveable member which is capable of engaging a surface when the door closes and moving to a retracted position. The sensor system further includes a receiver extending a predetermined distance beyond the leading edge of the door at the second door end in alignment with the transmitter for detecting the signal, and for generating an output signal when the signal is blocked. The receiver is attached to the door by a second moveable member which is capable of engaging the surface when the door closes and moving to the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Miller Edge, Inc.
    Inventors: Bearge D. Miller, Gary Leigh, Michael Anderson, Timothy Castello
  • Patent number: 6651386
    Abstract: A gate opening device for shifting a gate from a closed position to an open position on loss of power to a motive device includes a housing, the motive device carried by the housing, and a drive shaft coupled to and rotatable by the motive device. A drive member is coupled to the drive shaft and capable of being connected to a gate for causing shifting movement thereof. A base plate is coupled to the drive shaft and a drive plate is coupled to the drive member and pivotally coupled to the base plate. A shear pin engages the drive plate and the base plate, preventing relative pivoting thereof. The shear pin is formed of a material which allows a shearing effect on a specified torque or force, causing the shear pin to break or shear and allow relative pivotal movement of the drive plate and the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Homer C. Long
  • Patent number: 6651387
    Abstract: A locking controller mounted inside a sliding door. The locking controller is operated in connection with an inner handle resiliently returned to a neutral position when being turned in a door opening direction or in a door closing direction. If the inner handle is pulled or pushed in the door opening direction in the state that the sliding door is closed, the inner handle is turned in the door opening direction from the neutral position to release a door-close maintaining mechanism. If the inner handle is pulled or pushed in the door closing direction in the state that the sliding door is open, the inner handle is turned in the door closing direction from the neutral position to release a door-open maintaining mechanism. Therefore, a simple operation that the inner handle is turned in one direction makes the opening or shutting of the sliding door possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jae-hong Choi
  • Patent number: 6651388
    Abstract: A follower for holding a window pane is adjustable by a motor vehicle window lifter. The follower is connectable to the window lifter and has at least one retaining arm which can be brought into engagement with the window pane and thereby extends at least in part along a window pane surface. The follower is designed so that in the event of the window pane being loaded with force (F) in the lifting direction (H) a torque is exerted on the retaining arm of the follower. The torque is exerted in the direction of the window pane surface to press the retaining arm toward the window pane and prevent the window pane from becoming disengaged and sliding out from the follower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg
    Inventor: Georg Scheck
  • Patent number: 6651389
    Abstract: An improved casement window is provided which includes a tie bar and at least two tie bar guides through which the tie bar slidably extends. The tie bar guides are secured to a window frame which includes an elongated groove that extends parallel to the tie bar. Each tie bar guide includes at least one locating leg that extends outward from the tie bar guide body and that is received in the groove of the window frame to assist in the easy location of the tie bar guide and tie bar along the window frame. Further, each tie bar guide may be equipped with a protruding nib that is received in an aperture disposed in the tie bar. The cooperation of the tie bar guide and the aperture of the tie bar ensures that the tie bar guide is properly spaced along the length of the tie bar. The nib is sheared off of the tie bar guide after the tie bar guide is secured to the window frame and the tie bar is moved axially through the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Roto Frank of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Minter, John A. Chiaia
  • Patent number: 6651390
    Abstract: A reinforcing system for strengthening a door frame having two parallel vertical doorjambs separated from one another by a top horizontal doorjamb. The reinforcing system comprises two elongated channel-shaped 90° corner members positioned in the upper opposite corners of the door frame. Each corner member comprises one elongated flat panel with two substantially parallel sides extending along and outward from the opposite edges of the flat panel. The flat panel has a width and the parallel sides extend in a direction permitting each of the parallel sides to be positioned adjacent one of the opposing sides of a doorjamb when the flat panel is positioned adjacent the exterior side of the doorjamb. The reinforcing system further comprises at least one elongated straight channel-shaped member otherwise similarly formed positioned on the doorjamb opposite where the door hinges will be attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: James A. Camperelli
  • Patent number: 6651391
    Abstract: A shroud for use in combination with a septic tank having an access opening and an access cover. The shroud surrounds the access opening and facilitates removal of the access cover covering the access opening and providing access to the septic tank. The shroud comprises a contiguous sidewall opened at first and second opposed ends thereof with an access passageway extending therebetween. A first open end of the shroud has an annular surface for abutting engagement with a top surface of a septic tank. A retaining member retains the annular surface, at the first end of the shroud, in abutting engagement with the top surface of the septic tank. A removable shroud cover seals the second open end of the shroud and the shroud cover, when removed from the second end of the shroud, facilitates access an interior cavity of the septic tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Melvin Travis Nale
  • Patent number: 6651392
    Abstract: A portable motor-vehicle workshop has a plurality of rigid rectangular I-beam reinforced floor panels, bolts securing the floor panels together to form a planar horizontal floor, and a plurality of portals each having a pair of spaced vertical lower posts having lower ends secured to the floor, respective angled connector beams extending inward and upward at acute angles from upper ends of the lower posts, respective upper posts extending vertically from upper ends of the angled beams, and a horizontal connector beam extending between upper ends of the respective upper posts. A plurality of panels are bolted to the posts and beams of the portals and enclose a space above the floor. A lift on the floor can raise a vehicle up between the upper posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Riri Privatstiftung
    Inventor: Harald Ritzal
  • Patent number: 6651393
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new type of module in which the floor of the module is integral with the ceiling placement upon the module below it. This invention also provides utilization of temperature top protection a module during shipment. This invention also relates to a construction method where the stabilizing structure for the building including stairs and hallways constructed first, and the module are constructed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Lorwood Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence C. Don, Victor Lissiak
  • Patent number: 6651394
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning mild steel reinforcing bars within a precast, moment resisting frame of a building. The apparatus includes a hand-receiving access component that can be installed within the concrete beams that make up the building frame so as to permit convenient access to the reinforcing bars that are slidably carried within bar receiving passageways formed within the concrete beams. Additionally, the apparatus includes a bladder-receiving component that can be installed within the concrete beams that make up the building frame in a manner to permit an expandable bladder to be conveniently positioned within the cable receiving passageways formed in the beam. When in position within a cable-receiving passageway, the expandable bladder spans the interface between the beam and the column and effectively prevents grout from entering the cable passageway during the grouting step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Bill Hughes
  • Patent number: 6651395
    Abstract: Device (1) able to limit the amplitude of the relative movement of two elements of a civil engineering structure and for absorbing the deformation energy of this structure when the latter is subjected to an accidental stress. The device (1) includes: at least one portion able to undergo a plastic deformation at the time of the relative movement of the two elements of the structure, a guiding device for guiding the plastic deformation of the portion able to undergo a plastic deformation, the portion able to undergo a plastic deformation and the guiding device forming a single piece element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Campenon Bernard SGE
    Inventor: Alain Capra
  • Patent number: 6651396
    Abstract: This invention relates to a space-dividing wall panel system which includes components which are compatible with various types of wall panels and furniture components therefor. These components include a connector bracket having multiple inserts for supporting furniture components thereon, and an interface assembly also is provided which is compatible with various wall panel systems. A spiral cable manager also is provided for supporting cabling within the wall panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip DeRuiter, Pete Beyer, Dave Emery, Robert Tuttle, Kevin Meyer
  • Patent number: 6651397
    Abstract: A plurality of large wall elements for outer and inner walls and for roofs in buildings is piled up in the form of a stack (10) on a tilting table (1) and said tilting table (1) is rotated 90° with the purpose of gaining access from the top down to the narrow sides of the panels to be produced to fill the intermediate spaces (12) of the panel elements with concrete from the top. After hardening, the panels may be transported in vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Edmond Krecke
  • Patent number: 6651398
    Abstract: A decking assembly and decking kit with hold-down clip are disclosed. The decking assembly includes a supporting substructure, first and second lengthwise extending boards with lips extending outwardly and upwardly away from a side thereof and at least one hold-down clip having two downwardly extending tabs which engage the lips of adjacent boards to fix the boards to the substructure. The decking kit includes at least two such boards and at least one such clip, and may additionally include a fastener, such as a screw, and a screwdriver bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Composite Wood Specialties Ltd.
    Inventor: Karl H. W. Gregori
  • Patent number: 6651399
    Abstract: A vertical intersecting lightweight steel frame includes several main frames and side frames, which are connected with each other vertically. A first oblique fold is formed on two sides of the main frame and a protrusion is on the bottom of the side frame. The angle of the first oblique fold on both sides of the indention of the main frame is less than 45 degrees. A second oblique fold above the first oblique fold has an angle of 45 degrees. The angle of the protrusion of the side frame is also 45 degrees. The whole structure is stronger and easier to assemble. A darkened area of the vertical connection between the main frame and side frame is kept hidden.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Jui-Jung Li
  • Patent number: 6651400
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a connector used to join two or more panels having a foam core and having a cavity defined in a edge thereof. The connector includes a connector body having at least two attachment heads which are dimensioned to fit snugly within the corresponding cavities bounded by internal sidewalls defined in the foam core. Barbs provided on each attachment head are configured to pierce the internal sidewalls of the panels and inhibit withdrawal of the attachment head from the cavity defined in the foam core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Rapid Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry J. Murphy