Patents Issued in December 2, 2003
  • Patent number: 6655050
    Abstract: The snowboarding boot of the invention includes a boot shell having a toe portion, a heel portion, an ankle portion, and a top portion. In the preferred embodiment, a selectively inflatable bladder is disposed at each of these portions to allow the user of the snowboarding boot to selectively adjust the secureness of the fit between his foot and the boot. In one embodiment, each of the bladders is connected together so that inflation of one bladder provides fluid pressure to all of the bladders. In another embodiment, each of the fluid bladders is separate allowing the user to adjust the inflation pressure of each bladder individually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph B. Lowe
  • Patent number: 6655051
    Abstract: An appliance for protecting the bottom end of a human lower limb, and in particular the foot, from propagation of the blast wave and the heat generated by an explosive device of the mine type exploding. The invention provides an ammunition type boot whose sole is constituted by an assembly comprising a dispersion boat-shape, an antifire barrier, and support studs. The assembly provides simultaneously an optimum dispersion effect and satisfactory use for walking and running on any type of ground. It also withstands the explosion, and the heat, and it does not create puncturing projectiles because it constitutes a homogeneous assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Anonymate
    Inventors: Jean Patrick Peche, Renaud Gaultier, Marc-Olivier Peltzer
  • Patent number: 6655052
    Abstract: A bracket that supports an electrical component, such as a battery pack, comprising a main plate that includes opposing first and second surfaces, a mounting portion, and a retaining portion. A mounting extends from the mounting portion of the main plate and supports the electrical component. A first support leg extends from the main plate with a first slot being defined between the retaining portion and the first support leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Hotronic USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey S. Bruce
  • Patent number: 6655053
    Abstract: An attachment for a machine having a handle, operable to perform various groundworking functions, generally consisting of an arm member pivotally connectable to the handle of the machine, an extendable strut pivotally connected to the arm member and pivotally connectable to the handle when the arm member is connected to the handle of the machine and at two tools, any selected one of which is detachably mountable on the arm member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Rockland, Inc.
    Inventor: David C Cummungs
  • Patent number: 6655054
    Abstract: An attachment for a prime mover or backhoe which may be used to cut or crush material. The attachment includes a first jaw, being a fixed jaw, and a second jaw being a free jaw which is pivotably connected to the fixed jaw, and at least three connectors which allow the attachment to be connected to the actuator arm of a prime mover or backhoe. These connectors include a head connector adapted to provide a connection to the head of the actuator arm, and a driven connector adapted to provide a connection to the driving beam of the backhoes actuator arm, and a strut connector adapted to provide a connection to the strut of the backhoes actuator. The head and driven connectors are associated with the fixed jaw and the strut connector is associated with the free jaw, where the head and driven connectors are connected to the prime mover or backhoe with a quickhitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Peter John Ward
  • Patent number: 6655055
    Abstract: The object of this invention is an active ironing board. This board includes a perforated plane support, for example a metal grill, covered by a covering material that is permeable to gases, usually a cover, which forms the ironing surface and under which there is a suction compartment bound by a lower support panel where at least one ventilating unit or similar is mounted to suck in gases present in the suction compartment and push them outside, the lower support panel being also permeable to gasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Esse 85 S.r.l.
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Loger, Carlo Papetti, Johannes Roussel
  • Patent number: 6655056
    Abstract: Sports trading cards are attractively and functionally displayed and stored in an environment or setting related to the sport in which celebrity was achieved, comprising a replica of a sports stadium having a playing field for the play of a given sport and one or more sections to decks of spectator stands surrounding the field, the replication of the stands having slanted surfaces facing a simulation of the playing field for display of cards having relationship to the given sport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventors: Steve Wolf, John Pasternack
  • Patent number: 6655057
    Abstract: Disclosed is a framework for a balloon decoration capable of forming a balloon ornament at a predetermined shape by inserting a plurality of balloons into a space created between connecting rods of the framework. More particularly, this framework for the balloon decoration is mainly used for enhancing an effectiveness of advertisement at a ceremony to open a business or at a party held in celebration of an event. This framework can be fabricated such as a sectional toy and can be expressed as a variety of shapes adapted to further enhance the effectiveness of advertisement. According to the present invention, the framework for a balloon decoration includes a plurality of connecting balls (20) having a plurality of connecting holes (21) formed on a radial outer surface of the balls (20), and a connecting member (10) having a pair of connecting ends (13) and a connecting rod (11) extending between the connecting ends (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Se Gon Kim
  • Patent number: 6655058
    Abstract: An identification device having a surface for the display of one's name, title, artwork, or other information which, after being positioned properly, gives the illusion of levitating without any visible supports. The device uses magnetic field repulsion to achieve this illusion with a simple, easy release mechanism for lateral stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Del Charles Brooks, III
  • Patent number: 6655059
    Abstract: A slotted cylinder contains a pair of first and second rollers extending within the cylinder between opposing gears carried by associated sidepieces at the opposing ends of the cylinder. A scroll of reading paper connects between the rollers such that rotating a knob at one-end transfers the reading paper in a first direction between the rollers. Rotating a knob at the opposite end transfers the reading paper in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventors: Scott G. Perry, James S. Whittney
  • Patent number: 6655060
    Abstract: A channel letter has a rear surface for mounting against a raceway, wall, or a structure for supporting the signage, and sides defining the figuration of the letter of shape to be depicted. A lighting element is positioned against the rear surface of the enclosure, and a lens is retained to the open front of the enclosure. The lens may be retained by a plurality of retainers to a shoulder recessed within the walls of the enclosure. As a first alternative, the retainers may retain a lens without a shoulder where a sealing edging is fitted around the perimeter of the lens. As a second alternative a lens having dimensions greater than those of the enclosure may be retained across the forward end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventors: Anton Grate, Cheryl Grate
  • Patent number: 6655061
    Abstract: A one way free spinning hubcap assembly having a decorative hubcap and a bracket assembly. The bracket assembly is attached to a vehicular wheel and the hubcap is rotatably attached thereto. A bearing clutch present in the bracket assembly permits the hubcap to rotate independently from the wheel when the wheel is rotated in one direction, but forces the hubcap to rotate concurrently with the wheel when rotational force is applied in the opposite direction. In this way the hubcap may be permitted to continue rotating after the associated wheel has ceased rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Lawrence D. Good
  • Patent number: 6655062
    Abstract: A sign system according to the invention includes an upper rail and a lower rail interconnecting two vertical uprights. The upper rail and the lower rail comprise confrontingly opposed longitudinal channels, each channel has a center section and two side sections on either side of the center section. A core plate having upper and lower edges is held between the upper rail and lower rail in the center section of the channels. The upper and lower edges are held in the center section of the channels by stops. Sign panels including the information to be displayed by the sign system are insertable into the side sections of the channels on one or both sides of the core plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Donald T. Meeker
  • Patent number: 6655063
    Abstract: A human baby identification system including identification bracelets for attachment to the wrist or ankle of a baby, each of the identification bracelets including a pocket portion for receipt of an identification card, an identification number imprinted on the bracelets, a flexible fastening strap connected to the pocket portion having a plurality of ratchet teeth thereon, and a hollow latch assembly for receiving and securing the flexible fastening strap around the wrist or ankle of the baby, the latch assembly having a locking cam which engages the ratchet teeth to enable the fastening strap to be moved in one direction only to tighten the fastening to prevent the fastening strap from being loosened on the baby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventors: Teresa S. Goodin, Mary Ann Temples
  • Patent number: 6655064
    Abstract: A picture frame for displaying a picture and shadowbox articles includes a preformed mat system having a frontal two-ply photomat with two bordered openings. One opening is covered with a desired picture and the other opening is aligned with a backing assembly carrying a shadowbox for displaying an associated solid object. The components may be packaged in kit form for use by individuals without special tools or prior framing experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Gregg C. Dodson
  • Patent number: 6655065
    Abstract: A barrel catch mechanism particularly suited to small hinged barrel handguns. A transversely slidable locking piece engages a barrel lug. The locking piece has a stud which engages an aperture in the lug. Locking and unlocking is controlled by a spring loaded actuator extending through the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Daniel L. Chapman
  • Patent number: 6655066
    Abstract: Magazine safety units for use in a self-loading firearm with a removable magazine are disclosed. An example safety unit includes a swiveling lever which is held by a spring in the movement path of a bar which is connected with a trigger. The lever engages the bar in an impeding manner. Engagement of the lever with a part of the magazine swivels the lever out of engagement with the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Heckler & Koch GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Fluhr
  • Patent number: 6655067
    Abstract: The present invention provides a locking device designed to open by tactile manipulation, without visual confirmation, of the locking combination. This device comprises a housing, a securing element, and a plurality of tumbling levers located inside the housing. Each tumbling lever is located in a plane of movement parallel to other planes of movements of the other tumbling levers. Also, each tumbling lever includes a tactile engagement surface and engages the securing element so that movement of a tactile engagement surface disengages the corresponding tumbling lever from the securing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Brauer
  • Patent number: 6655068
    Abstract: A shoulder support element is disclosed for use in a firearm. The shoulder support element includes a shoulder support adapted to support the small arm in the firing position and a base plate removably mounted to the shoulder support such that impact forces applied to the base plate are distributed to the shoulder support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Heckler & Koch, GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Murello, Wilhelm Fischbach
  • Patent number: 6655069
    Abstract: Accessory mounts for firearms, including a combined handgrip and accessory mount for a shotgun, as well as detachably securable rails and modified Picatinny rails for mounting accessories to shotguns and other firearms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Surefire, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Y. Kim
  • Patent number: 6655070
    Abstract: A moving, floating waterfowl decoy propelled by a steam jet motor and used by hunters to attract waterfowl to the hunting area. The device is an addition to a standard commercial hollow floating waterfowl decoy of any species. The steam jet motor is powered by combustion of fuel and has no moving parts. The steam jet propulsion system provides lifelike natural movements, wakes, ripples and splashes to enhance attraction of a decoy set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Howard H. Wood
  • Patent number: 6655071
    Abstract: A retainer for holding a plurality of waterfowl decoys has at least three arms pivotally mounted on a pin so as to be moveable between a first position in which the arms are aligned parallel to each other for storage and a open position in which the arms are angularly oriented with respect to one another. The device includes a locking pin for fitting into a first set of holes in the three arms for locking the arms in the first position and fitting into a second set of holes in the arms for locking the arms in the second position. The device further includes a moveable post at the end of each arm for retaining a waterfowl decoy and a ratchet engagement between the post and the arm to permit manual movement of the post with respect to the arm to its desired orientation to retain the post in the desired orientation after it has been positioned without requiring the tightening or untightening of screws and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventors: Charles David Barnes, Ellen Marie McLean, John R. Howard, Charles E. Nichols, William Sigsworth
  • Patent number: 6655072
    Abstract: A fishing device to assist in landing a fish in which the device comprises a net frame having a multiplicity of hinged members. A net engages the net frame, which frame is retractable into a hollow handle. A drive shaft is used to drive the hinged members of the net frame into and out of the handle, which drive shaft is comprised of a linear member dimensioned to fit within the hollow handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Royce Blaschke
  • Patent number: 6655073
    Abstract: An adjustable bobber system for allowing adjustment of the buoyancy and for attaching to a fishing line without the use of a bead. The inventive device includes a hook member connected to a buoyant member and a first weight member slidably positioned about the buoyant member. The hook member includes a body with an open end that receives a second weight member and the buoyant member, a jaw extending from the body with a slot within, and a slit extending into the jaw to the slot for receiving the fishing line below a stop knot. The buoyant member is preferably constructed of an elongated buoyant material, such as plastic foam, that is easily severed in any position by a cutting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Bruce Mosher
  • Patent number: 6655074
    Abstract: A releasable fishing device includes a flasher body having a distal end and a proximal end. A guide member is attached to the proximal end of the flasher while a releasable member is releasably attached to the distal end of the flasher. A line is threaded through the guide member and an aperture in the releasable member. A stop is affixed to the line between the guide member and the releasable member. As the line is pulled through the water or trolled by movement of the rod relative to the water, the stop member contacts the guide member and pulls the body through the water so that it can function in a conventional manner. A lure is connected to the distal end of the line. Once a fish strikes the lure and runs with the bait, the line is drawn in a distal direction relative to the flasher. The stop member contacts the releasable member and releases that member from the flasher, thus allowing the line to move relatively freely as the fish runs with the lure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: George G. Pentland
  • Patent number: 6655075
    Abstract: A weedless fishhook having a plurality of individual deflector strands extending toward the free end of the hook and a method of making such weedless fishhook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Lindy Little Joe, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Bohn, Nicholas S. Adams, Theodore A. Takasaki, Stephen D. Borders
  • Patent number: 6655076
    Abstract: Longline comprises at least one polyamide monofil A) with at least one cylindrical hollow body (stopper) B) secured on the polyamide monofil surface, wherein said stopper B) consists essentially of a thermoplastic elastomer having a Shore D hardness (as defined in DIN 53505) of at least 50.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignees: BASF Aktiengesellschaft, Mustard & Son A.S.
    Inventors: Günther Worf, Michael Saalmann, Svein Sunde, Tom Thormodsen
  • Patent number: 6655077
    Abstract: An improved trap for a mouse of the type having a baseboard, a U-shaped jaw member that is pivotally mounted on the baseboard for pivotal movement from a cocked position to a sprung position, a bait pedal that is attached to the baseboard, and a trigger mechanism that has a longitudinal axis and which is operatively attached to the bait pedal and when the U-shaped jaw member is in the cocked position thereof the trigger mechanism is operatively connected to the U-shaped jaw member. The improvement includes the trigger mechanism allowing the U-shaped jaw member to achieve the sprung position thereof only when the trigger mechanism is rotated about the longitudinal axis thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Jose Trevino
  • Patent number: 6655078
    Abstract: A mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus that includes a heat element (a thermal lure), a source of carbon dioxide (CO2), and a source of a chemical biting insect attractant, such as octenol. The heat for the thermal lure and the source of CO2 are provided by a propane flame. The thermal lure includes a structure that surrounds a propane burner and that is heated by the burner to a temperature that is similar to that of a small animal, such as 95 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. The structure includes a series of baffles and conduction elements that permit the structure to have a substantially constant heat signature, which is desirable for attracting mosquitoes and other biting insects. A mechanism may be provided for trapping or killing the attracted mosquitoes, such as an adhesive substance or an electronic grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Doug Winner, Judith Brooks, John Laverack, Greg Weaver, Bob Bruno
  • Patent number: 6655079
    Abstract: A spill resistant insect bait station particularly adapted for use with liquid or gel insecticide consists of a generally cylindrical housing having an open end, a closed end, and a removable end cap assembly adapted for removable attachment with said open end. The housing interior functions as a reservoir for liquid or gel bait formulations, such as attractants and toxicants. Axial apertures formed in the housing ends provide insects with access to the interior of the housing through a series of openings defined in the walls of internal tube and shaft structures. A spiral baffle projects radially outward from the shaft for sealing engagement with the inner wall of the tubular structure to prevent spillage of liquid bait, while defining a passage for insects leading to the liquid bait. A series of offset openings in the shaft and tube walls provide access to the housing interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventors: Alan S. Bernard, Michael M. Anthony
  • Patent number: 6655080
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for trapping insects, such as mosquitos, is disclosed. A gas source emits a gas for attracting insects. An insect trap barrel assembly is spaced from the gas source and includes a cylindrically configured housing having an outer wall surface. An air intake wall is spaced from the outer wall surface and defines an annular configured air inflow channel. A fan assembly is mounted within the housing and communicates with the air inflow channel and draws outside air into the housing and traps insects that are drawn into the housing with the inflow of air. The air intake wall is dimensioned and spaced from the outer wall such that the inflow of air into the inflow channel creates a substantially laminar flow of air along the outer wall surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Lentek International, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Spiro, Robert W. J. Weiss
  • Patent number: 6655081
    Abstract: A substrate for mushroom cultivation comprises a polyene fungicide, in particular, natamycin. Mushrooms cultivated in such substrates can be harvested earlier than mushrooms cultivated in substrates which do not include polyene fungicides. Alternatively, mushrooms grown in a substrate comprising a polyene fungicide achieve a greater size than mushrooms grown for the same amount of time in a substrate which does not include a polyene fungicide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignees: DSM N.V., Sylvan, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacobus Stark, Mark Peter Wach, Edith Magda Lucia Geijp, Ferdinand Theodorus Jozef Van Rijn, Lori Ann MacDonald, Jeffrey Wayne Smathers
  • Patent number: 6655082
    Abstract: A mobile soil-disinfecting device (10) comprising a cultivating unit (20), a soil treating chamber (23), a bellows (28), a heat exchanger (56), and a heat-generating unit (26). The cultivating unit (20) comprises one or more cultivating members adapted for breaking the soil and throwing it upwardly into the soil treating chamber (23), and the heat exchanger (56) being in thermal communication with the heat generating unit (26), the bellows (28) adapted for drawing ambient air, passing the air through the heat exchanger (56) and throwing hot air into the soil treating chamber (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: C.K.M. Advanced Agriculture Ltd.
    Inventors: Eli Paltin, Avi Ellert
  • Patent number: 6655083
    Abstract: A planter garden swing. An elongate swing seating member for seating at least one person is provided, and planter receptacles are preferably attached at opposite ends of the seating member. The planting receptacles are provided to hold soil or other support material for supporting a plant. The seating member includes at least two attachment members for attaching respective chains, ropes or other elongate flexible members, for connecting the swing to a structural support such as a tree limb, joist or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Patricia M. Reed
  • Patent number: 6655084
    Abstract: A planter caddie for supporting planters including a frame having a support surface and four wheels attached thereto. The support surface includes four support members for forming four receiving spaces in the support surface. The planter caddie also includes a plastic tray removably disposed on the support surface. The plastic tray includes four recessed pockets for receipt within the four receiving spaces of the four support members. The plastic tray further includes four recessed wells, one within each of the four recessed pockets for collecting water and for receiving the wheels of another planter caddie stacked thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Misco Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Ezra Missry
  • Patent number: 6655085
    Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping and supporting the floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, William F. Straeter, Joseph G. Straeter, Michael J. King, Franklin J. Craig, Michael R. Klemme
  • Patent number: 6655086
    Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants or comestibles. The sleeve has a closed curved bottom. The sleeve may also have an expansion element such as a gusset, pleats, random folds or elastic material for enabling the lower portion of the sleeve to conform to the outer and bottom surfaces of the pot to provide a decorative cover about the pot. The sleeve optionally has a detachable upper portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Paul Fantz
  • Patent number: 6655087
    Abstract: Extension assemblies for connection to one or both ends of a safety barrier to increase its width include top and bottom elements, each having a horizontal channel therethrough, a vertical connection element extending therebetween, and assembly elements which extend through the respective horizontal channels and into aligned holes in the barrier to resist lateral forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Baby Dan A/S
    Inventor: Jesper Andersen
  • Patent number: 6655088
    Abstract: An arrangement for monitoring a condition of a counterbalance torsion spring in an overhead door or gate and preventing the door or gate from accidentally slamming shut or dropping too rapidly when the spring fails. The arrangement includes a drum mounted on a shaft which transmits the torque of the spring to the drum. During normal operation a sensor and release assembly maintains a catcher in a inactive position and when the spring fails, the sensor and release assembly allows the catcher to move to an active position and engage a grabber disposed on an inside surface of the drum to block rotation of the drum and therefore movement of the door or gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Hörmann KG Brockhagen
    Inventor: Thomas J. Hörmann
  • Patent number: 6655089
    Abstract: A device for electrically driving a cable-actuated window regulator includes a casing and an electric motor. The electric motor drives an endless screw meshing with a toothed ring surrounding a conventional brake box that is connected to a cable winding drum disposed in the housing. The toothed ring presents a frontal wall obturating the opening of a cylindrical sleeve forming the casing of the brake box. The drum and the frontal wall define fingers capable of cooperating with the ends of a helical spring disposed in the cylindrical sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems - France
    Inventor: Yann Le Gallo
  • Patent number: 6655090
    Abstract: A framed gate pivotally mounted at one of it's lower corners to an inner fence post securely positioned in the ground. The pivotal mounting of the gate allows one end of the gate to swing up and out of the way thereby effectively opening a gap and allowing passage from one side of the fence line to the other. A primary post is positioned outside of the inner fence post in relation to the gate. A manual winch device or powered winch device is attached to the primary post for the lifting of the framed gate. Further, this device is equipped with a spring for assisting the swinging of the gate up and out of the way and may be equipped with a remote control mechanism for remote operation of the gate. On the opposite side of the gate from the inner post is located the outer post which contains a catch mechanism to engage a locking mechanism on the gate to securely lock and hold the gate in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Cletus Regner
  • Patent number: 6655091
    Abstract: A shutter assembly replaces one or more of the conventional fixed rails with one or more attaching louvers that fixedly attach the attaching louver to the left and right stiles, completing the framing function of the replaced rail(s). A hanger bolt is attached to the attaching louver end and extends through a spacing washer and stile holes for a locknut and washer to complete the attachment. The non-attaching louvers have louver pin assemblies with a nail for driving into the louver, a spacer flange, and an expandable bushing post with a central recess. A finned bushing encompasses the bushing post and a tensioning nail is driven into the bushing post recess to expand the bushing post causing the bushing to bear on the sides of a stile recess sized to receive the bushing. This frictional relationship maintains the position of the louvers when rotated by the tilt rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Mark Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 6655092
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a vehicle door includes providing a lower door structure, providing an upper door structure having a pair of spaced apart frame rails, installing a window member between the frame rails, installing a window regulator to the window member and the upper door structure, and coupling the lower and upper door structures to one another. The window regulator may include a powered lead screw regulator, a rack and pinion regulator or a cable and drum regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Budd Company
    Inventors: John P. Pacella, Joseph E. Mrozowski, Earl E. Kansier
  • Patent number: 6655093
    Abstract: A riser section and cover is disclosed. The riser section has a smooth cylindrical sidewall surface, a tapered end and a channel end, a removable anchor tab and bosses and ribs on the inside of the sidewall. The riser sections are stackable. The cover has a channel end to removably connect to a riser section. The cover has stowable handles and posts extending from a bottom surface that define wells open at a top surface which fit into the wells of another cover. A bracket is disclosed to releasably secure and position a cover with attached riser section on a concrete form wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Norman W. Gavin
  • Patent number: 6655094
    Abstract: A flashing comprises a preformed plastics element having a body (1) with an inner face (13) and an outer face (11), the body having an upper edge (3), a lower edge (5), a first end (7) and a second end (9), and a continuous lip (15) formed along the upper edge, which lip is directed away from the outer face of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Ultraframe (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Michael Morphet
  • Patent number: 6655095
    Abstract: A prefabricated wall and roof unit for easy and cost efficient home construction. The wall unit is formed of a steel frame, a molded external panel formed into the shape of traditional building materials and features, and a layer of insulation material. The wall unit may be assembled in a quality controlled off-site factory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: PDG Domus Corporation
    Inventor: Nathan W. Pingel
  • Patent number: 6655096
    Abstract: A connector for attaching walls to beams or trusses that are offset from the wall and act as collectors in the lateral force resisting system. The main purpose of a drag strut connector is to connect a beam or truss to the top plate of a colinear bearing wall, thereby completing the load path and allowing loads to be transferred out of the roof or floor sheathing into the wall system where the shearwalls are. Such a beam or truss is referred to as a load “collector” or “drag strut”. The key to this connection is that it uses self-drilling screws to create a superior connection to that achieved with a similar connector and bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven E. Pryor
  • Patent number: 6655097
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method of using the apparatus to temporarily support a utility pole is disclosed. The apparatus is comprised of a plurality of structural elements which are hinged together to form an articulated frame. The frame is adapted to be connected to a pole and caused to conform to the slope or angle of the pole with respect to the ground. The frame is also adapted to conform to the slope of the ground in which the pole is embedded. The articulated frame of this invention finds particular utility in supporting a utility pole installed in ground subject to collapse due to excavation in the vicinity of the pole. In this regard, the frame is useful to obviate the need to temporarily reroute a power line erected in the vicinity of earth removal operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Billy E. Poolaw
  • Patent number: 6655098
    Abstract: An improvement to a stair module support system includes a flexible engagement between a post and a channel attached to the underside of a stair module. The flexible engagement enables the stair module support system to be assembled and placed into a stored configuration with each post received by a corresponding channel. The system may then be shipped to an installation site where the posts may be rotated to a deployed position without requiring further assembly or tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Quaker Plastic Corporation
    Inventors: William A. Dillen, II, Donald E. Dahowski, Allen L. Kinner, Matthew A. Cramer, James G. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6655099
    Abstract: A clip is used to fasten a wall panel to a frame rail. The clip is fitted to the rail and has paul-like tabs which locate in apertures in a side wall of the rail. Corresponding apertures are provided on the edge of the wall. When the edge of the wall is inserted into the clip, the pawl-like tabs snap-fit through the apertures and into the apertures, thereby captively retaining the wall to the rail. Alternatively, the clip may be formed integrally with a rail by pressing out a flap from a side wall of the rail. Each flap has a pawl-like indent. Corresponding apertures are provided on the edge of a wall sheet. When the edge of the wall sheet is inserted between the flaps and the rail, the pawl-like indents locate in the apertures, thereby captively retaining the wall sheets to the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Spanbilt Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Mark Grahame Trenoweth