Patents Issued in December 30, 2003
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Patent number: 6668475Abstract: An inflatable billboard has an inflatable frame with an advertising frame mounted onto the frame. The advertising frame is mounted to the frame by both releasable connectors which secure the advertising face to the frame and must be manually released and detachable connectors which release a portion of the advertising face from the frame in response to winds above a threshold level. As a result of this arrangement, the inflatable billboard incurs only minimal damage even in high winds.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Inventor: Edward F. Carolan
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Patent number: 6668476Abstract: An address display including a signboard, the signboard having defined therethrough at least three sets of punch-out holes, each set having at least one punch-out hole defined within, at least one punch-out hole of each set substantially collinear with at least one punch-out hole of each of the other sets, the punch-out holes along a line defined by the collinearity having substantially constant spacing; and a number of characters, each character to attach to respective ones of the at least three sets of holes, the characters each having a width and a height, the characters chosen from a set of characters corresponding to characters used in an address, each character in the set of characters having substantially the same overall width and substantially the same overall height as each of the other characters in the set of characters.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Inventors: Theodore E. Gaines, Donald B. Gaines
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Patent number: 6668477Abstract: A picture frame for providing three dimensional visual effects to pictures. The picture frame includes a base stand including a base portion and upright end portions having ends which are disposed parallel to the base portion. A box member has side walls, a back wall, a front wall having an opening therethrough. The box member is pivotally mounted to the base stand. Mirrors are mounted upon the side, bottom and top walls in the box member. A light-emitting assembly is attached to the box member for illuminating inside the box member. A window securely disposed in the opening in the front wall. A picture stand which includes a base member having slots therein and which is securely mounted upon the bottom wall of the box member. A picture which is removably supported in the slots in the base member and faces the window and is visible through the window.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Inventor: Shellie J. Cannady
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Patent number: 6668478Abstract: An inexpensive generally retrofitable drop-in cartridge-unit of light-weight pneumatic-cylinder design for replacing the conventional metal/compression-spring member housed within the frame of a gun, thereby providing significantly smoother, quiter, more rapid, and more reliable cyclic-action upon firing of the gun. The preferred embodiment cartridge-unit is internally configured whereby a near constant spring-load rise is provided as the bolt-action slides aftward, thereby effectively spreading resultant recoil-action inertial-kickback more evenly throughout the bolt-travel. Hence, substantially reducing disturbing kickback, enabling a more rapid succession of shots per given shot-grouping owing to the shooter's improved recovery-time. Various iterations are set forth, including those of single, double, and tripple telescopic-action, and a hybrid/metal-pneumatic variant, as well as generic-variants providing manual and automatic pneumatic-pressure adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Inventor: Jason Bergstrom
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Patent number: 6668479Abstract: A device for holding a plurality of firearm magazines is disclosed. The device includes a single-piece body having a first compartment adapted to receive a first magazine, and a second compartment adapted to receive a second magazine. The first and second compartments are separated by a divider. The device also optionally includes a first securing member located within a first housing of the divider, and a second securing member located within a second housing of the divider. The first securing member is adapted to engage the first magazine when the first magazine is seated in the first compartment, typically by engaging a groove of the first magazine. Similarly, the second securing member is adapted to engage the second magazine when the second magazine is seated in the second compartment, typically by engaging a groove of the second magazine.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2003Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Inventor: Roberto V. Obong
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Patent number: 6668480Abstract: A system for cleaning the barrel of a gun which includes a compressible foam projectile, a source of compressed gas, and a flexible connector, such as a hose, for connecting the projectile with the cylinder is disclosed. The projectile resides within a nozzle which is secured to the hose. The cylinder is secured to one end of the hose. In order to clean the gun, the nozzle with the projectile inserted therein is placed within the barrel of the gun. The nozzle forms an airtight seal with the barrel. The compressed gas is released from the cylinder into the nozzle. The gas propels the projectile out of the nozzle and through the barrel. As the projectile travels through the barrel, it wipes the barrel clean.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Ultra Clean Technologies, Corp.Inventor: Bruce Riley
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Patent number: 6668481Abstract: A hard shell case for an assembled fishing rod and reel includes forward and rearward rod cover tubes and a laterally hinged reel case. the forward rod cover extends rearwardly beyond the attached reel of the assembly, with a portion of the forward cover cut away for reel clearance as the cover is installed on the rod. The rearward rod cover slides over the rearward end of the forward rod cover, leaving an exposed area around the reel attachment when the two rod cover portions are installed on the rod. A laterally hinged reel cover is then placed over the rod cover assembly opposite the reel and closed over the reel to complete the installation. The forward rod cover may alternatively be constructed in two telescoping portions to adjust for different rod lengths or disassembled rods, and a pliable reel cover may also be provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Inventor: Anthony Garcia
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Patent number: 6668482Abstract: Lures for fish or other sea life having a single dose fluid attractant dispenser associated therewith which includes a generally cylindrical flexible container, preferably constructed of plastic material, and a breakable ampule, preferably constructed of glass, containing a quantity of fluid attractant positioned within the container. One end of the container is provided with a porous plug forming a wick for the fluid attractant when the breakable ampule within the container is broken by squeezing and deforming the container sufficiently to break the ampule. The fishing lure includes a body of any configuration normally used in fishing lures and a structure enabling the dispenser to be supported by the lure. In some embodiments, the fish lure body includes a cavity extending longitudinally into the body from a rearward end thereof to enable insertion of the dispenser. In other embodiments, the dispenser is attached externally of the lure.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Louisiana Bucks Unlimited, Inc.Inventors: Marshall V. Ruffin, Mabry M. McFarlin
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Patent number: 6668483Abstract: The present invention is a device for the elimination and control of termites and other insects, comprising a plurality of cellulose-containing strands and at least one pesticide-containing component interwoven with said strands to form a generally circular rope. In one embodiment, the pesticide-containing component may be comprised of a single extruded filament or a treated fiber. It may alternatively be comprised of a cellulosic tube containing the pesticide, or a cellulose paper upon which the pesticide is placed prior to being twisted into a strand. It can also be comprised of a group of fibers or filaments woven into a stand. Finally, the rope may incorporate an identifier strip and be covered by a mesh, which constricts upon removal, thus containing the spent material securely. In application, the pesticide containing rope can be entrenched in the ground, placed in areas frequented by termites, or wound around trees to control wood-eating insects.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Inventors: Scott Trivisani, Carla Lee Summer-Trivisani
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Patent number: 6668484Abstract: A garden edging system is made up of (a) one or more straight edger units, (b) one or more curved edger units and (c) one or more corner units. Each unit has a connecting face at each of its ends for connecting and holding adjacent units in end-to-end alignment with one another. The connecting faces facilitate the layout of a myriad of garden edging designs. The curved units have both their convex side and their concave side formed on the same arc of curvature so that a plurality of the units may be nested together with the concave side of each unit engaged flush against the convex side of the next adjacent unit. This facilitates packing and shipping of the units and mitigates against damage to the units. The units are dimensioned and sized to be stronger, more damage resistant, more versatile and more user-friendly than conventional edger bricks or tiles. A process of making the edger units is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Riccobene Masonry Company, Inc.Inventor: Thomas S. Riccobene
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Patent number: 6668485Abstract: Agrotechnical method for Branch Cordon trained vine, for the mechanizable control of its growth, and yield; where in the branch cordon plantation a cordon arm supporting wire parallel with the direction of the stock row, preferably in 160-190 cm height is used; long canes are preferably cultivated every 10-30-40 cm from one another into producing twigs; characterised in that sprouting, yield and quality are regulated by the thinning of the main buds in the upper zone of the foliage wall, and the measure of thinning of the main buds thus producing twigs are cultivated having short shoots and short canes (which require no pruning), which appropriately reach near the ground, have off-shoots and sometimes grow higher than the cordon arm.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Inventor: Babó Tivadar
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Patent number: 6668486Abstract: A bean sprout cultivating system capable of spraying water uniformly and adjusting pressure on the bean sprouts using cultivating boxes with upper and lower ends of each conduit having a water inlet and a water dropping opening, respectively. When the water flow of a water source in the water feeding system is larger than the total flow of the conduits at a bottom of the cultivation box, a downward water pressure is generated so that water will flow into the water inlet. The water from the water dropping openings flows into the lower cultivation box uniformly. Then the water flows through the water dispatching holes in the pressure cover to more uniformly cover the bean sprouts in the lattice disk. The surplus water will flow into the lower cultivation box from the water dropping openings of the conduits.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Inventor: Kung-Shen Lo
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Patent number: 6668487Abstract: A system and method for applying an animal access port to an inclined surface, such as an inclined cellar door. The system includes rail elements that are applied to the inclined surface on either side of an opening that has been cut through the inclined surface. The rail elements create tracks along the sides of the opening. A dormer structure is provided. The dormer structure has walls and a top surface that spans the walls to define an interior space within the dormer structure. However, the dormer structure has no bottom surface, and is thus open at its bottom. One of the walls of the dormer structure supports a door. The dormer surface can be placed in the tracks created by the rail elements. The tracks retain the dormer structure in place over the opening in the inclined surface. The dormer structure protects the opening in the inclined surface and provides access to the opening through the door in the wall of the dormer structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Inventor: Michael P. Vesey
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Patent number: 6668488Abstract: A glass run for use in a motor vehicle, which is capable of preventing the increase in a sliding resistance against a door glass which is raised and lowered in the glass run. At least one inclined surface is formed in an inside surface of a side wall of the glass run from the position corresponding to a projecting end of a seal lip which extends obliquely inwardly from an opening-side end of the side wall, to a bottom wall. The inclined surface is defined such that the distance between the inclined surface and the door glass gradually increases toward a bottom-side end of the side wall. The inclined surface enables the projecting end of the seal lip which is pushed by the door glass toward the side wall to move smoothly therealong, thereby preventing the increase in the pressing force of the door glass against the seal lip.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masahiro Nozaki, Norihide Ohta
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Patent number: 6668489Abstract: A sound insulating weather strip for automobile comprising: a hollow seal portion to be attached to at least one of a door and a body panel of a car; and a low density foam sponge material comprising a rubber or synthetic resin, and provided at a portion in said hollow seal portion which is to be held and compressed between said door or a glass and said body panel when said door is closed.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Nishikawa Rubber Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eiichi Baba, Yoshihiro Kohara
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Patent number: 6668490Abstract: A lightweight door for vehicles comprises a door box having a top portion delimited by inner and outer window gutter profiles. A lightweight window frame is coupled to the door box and is formed of light metal or light metal alloy. The window frame is formed from an extruded bent profile that has a closed hollow chamber and at least one mounting formation. The mounting formation may include a mounting groove or a clip-on strip. The mounting formation continuously follows a length of the profile and is for receiving at least one add-on component. A plastic molded panel module is coupled to the frame. The module has a support surface and outer panels formed as a single piece along the frame adjacent a roof rail and a B-pillar of the motor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Wagon Automotive GmbHInventors: Michael Hock, Stefan Marutschke, Jürgen Hock, Vuong Huy
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Patent number: 6668491Abstract: A device for removing ice and snow from roofs (10) comprising an inflatable sleeve (19) secured to a mounting frame secured on a roof under shingles or panels (56). Inflating the sleeve (19) fractures ice and snow adhering to the top of the apparatus, causing ice and snow to fall to the ground in a controlled manner. An inflation mechanism can be provided suitably adapted to prevent moisture damage to the system, and to provide warm air to the inflatable sleeve (19) to facilitate the release of ice and snow. Alternatively, a non-inflatable flexible cover (121) can be provided and secured to an eave or side of a building, and then agitated to remove ice and snow. A flexible gutter apparatus (223) can also be provided, having a flexible gutter disposed onto rigid support frame segments and secured to its edges so that the contents of the gutter can be expelled by lifting the flexible gutter over the frame.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Inventor: Timothy C. Bonerb
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Patent number: 6668492Abstract: An overflow chute for guttering includes an elongate member having a substantially U-shaped cross-section and includes a weir or barrier therein intermediate an overflow spout and an inlet adapted to engage a section of guttering. The inlet may include male and female coupling portions to link the chute to a standard section of guttering. The inlet may include a downpipe connector having a through-body aperture for directing rainwater into a downpipe. The aperture may be protected by a leaf guard to prevent an accumulation of debris in the downpipe.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2000Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Inventor: Nicholas Miller Warns
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Patent number: 6668493Abstract: A modular medical gas services unit with multiple medical gas outlets supported at the same level on the column. The unit preferably comprises a hollow column with an internal space for housing the gas conduits and power lines. The medical gas supply outlets are mounted so that their longitudinal axes extend radially from the vertical axis of the frame, and the longitudinal axes of adjacent outlets intersect to form an acute angle. In this way, the horizontal dimensions of the column can be minimized while the number of medical gas outlets at the desired height is maximized. In one embodiment, the column is pentagonal in cross-section providing five planar support surfaces for five medical gas outlets. In another embodiment, a square column is equipped with angled outlet panels, each supporting two medical gas outlets. Thus, though the frame is four-sided, as many as eight medical gas outlets can be mounted at the same height on the frame.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Modular Services CompanyInventor: James A. Walker
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Patent number: 6668494Abstract: An elevator shaft door frame has posts of a basic configuration that can be combined with cladding profile members of different shape and size. The posts include a plate-like profile member with two U-shaped corrugations and a plate fastened to the profile member and covering the open rear side of the corrugations. A decorative cladding profile member is fastened to the post and has one U-shaped profile member abutting and fastened to the plate and another U-shaped profile member abutting and fastened to the one U-shaped profile member.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Inventio AGInventors: Jules Christen, Roland Weidmann, Peter Spiess
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Patent number: 6668495Abstract: A screened patio enclosure is provided with primary and secondary structural members for retaining screening fabric and decorative inserts that are available in a variety of pleasing colors and patterns thus improving the aesthetic appearance of the interior of the enclosure. Additionally, the primary members include integral recesses for receiving load carrying insert members thus allowing the load capacity of the primary structural members to be increased incrementally by varying the number of metallic inserts added to the primary structural members. The primary structural members include post/columns and beams while the secondary structural members include horizontal and diagonal purlins and base anchoring members.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Inventor: Richard T. Prince
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Patent number: 6668496Abstract: Apparatus and method for constructing at a given site a building having a predetermined shape with a periphery that is essentially defined by a width and a length, and the building having generally vertical walls. At a second site creating an upright structure having an interior bounded by spaced-apart and generally vertical walls but no floor, the separation of said walls serving to define an empty shell whose size and shape corresponds to that of the building that is to be constructed. Connecting horizontal beams to the interior of the upright structure so that they and the upright structure can be lifted. Positioning inside the upright structure a trailer that has the necessary load capacity to transport the upright structure over a public road. Temporarily connecting the trailer to the horizontal beams and transporting the upright structure to the first site. Disconnecting the trailer from the upright structure and removing the trailer from the interior of the upright structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2000Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Inventors: Guy C. Clapp, Clifford W. Clapp
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Patent number: 6668497Abstract: A support structure for supporting a concrete placing boom above a work site. The support structure includes a support mast having a generally smooth outer surface. The support mast receives an adapter that can be removed from one support mast and attached to another. The adapter includes a mast receiving portion having a pressure coupling for holding the adapter in contact with the outer surface of the mast. The adapter further includes a boom attachment portion that allows the pedestal of the concrete placing boom to be securely attached to the adapter. The adapter includes a central guide pin that is received within a guide opening formed in a top plate of the support mast. The interaction between the guide pin and the central opening on the mast aids in guiding the adapter onto the mast.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Putzmeister Inc.Inventors: Martin G. Mayer, Rodney D. Wurgler
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Patent number: 6668498Abstract: A guyed tower is used to support wireless communication equipment and/or other types of loads. The guyed tower is fixedly attached to a foundation, and a pole tower is erected within a middle region of the guyed tower. This pole tower is fixedly attached both to the foundation and to the guyed tower. Bending moments are transferred from the guyed tower to the pole tower via the collar that is disposed about the guyed tower. Thus, the presence of the pole tower within the middle region of the guyed tower increases the load capacity and stability of the guyed tower.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Ritz Telecommunications, Inc.Inventor: Charles D. Ritz
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Patent number: 6668499Abstract: Fire door or window, comprised essentially of a glass pane that is embedded in a metal frame that surrounds it, whereby the fire door has a modular construction and thereby is comprised of at least one door panel that is formed by two glass panes that are separated by profiles, whereby the glass panes extend almost to the edge of the door panel and the profiles realized in the form of hollow chamber profiles are connected to form a frame, whereby the frame is covered by a partial enameling of the glass panes, and there can be a transparent fireproofing agent between the separated glass panes.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Co. KGInventor: Walter Degelsegger
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Patent number: 6668500Abstract: The invention relates to a holding device for holding glass closures (20) formed by individual glass profile elements, especially U-shaped glass profile elements (21, 21′), or other long glass elements, especially insulating glass elements. In order to prevent water condensation inside the glass closure (20), the holding device comprises at least one holding rail (2; 32, 36, 37; 34, 64, 65; 34, 64′, 76; 79; 80) for holding or mounting and for laterally guiding and supporting the individual long glass elements or glass profile elements (21, 21′) or the glass closure (20).Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Glasfabrik Lamberts GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Christoph Lamberts
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Patent number: 6668501Abstract: A shear wall system comprises stucco fasteners consisting of an elongated first portion that is driven into a wood frame wall, and an elongated second portion that is completely embedded in a stucco wall panel. In one embodiment, the fasteners consist of an assembly having a first element that is driven into the wood frame wall, and a second annular element receiving a portion of the first element and that is embedded rigidly into the cement stucco wall. Ductile movement of the fastener components with respect to wood frame wall and the stucco wall provides energy dissipation.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Sacks Industrial Corp.Inventors: Perry Adebar, Harold R. Davis, William Spilchen, Abraham Sacks
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Patent number: 6668502Abstract: A ledger mould assembly is suitable for use with a wall form assembly of the type comprising a pair of spaced-apart parallel foam panels defining therebetween a cavity for the setting of a flowable material for building an insulated wall. The ledger mould is used to receive a hardening flowable material and integrally forming a ledger to the wall. The ledger mould assembly comprises an elongated mould made of foam having a planar front face spanning from top to bottom, a tapered bottom edge and at least one flared recess in the front face, opening outwardly and upwardly from bottom to top. Mounting means are provided for horizontally mounting the mould against either one of the foam panels with the bottom down and the planar front face of the ledger mould in contact with the planar outside face of the foam panel. This set-up allows flowable hardening material to be poured from the top of the mould into the flared recesses to form a ledger once it has hardened.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Polyform A.G.P. Inc.Inventor: Jean-Louis Béliveau
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Patent number: 6668503Abstract: A connector for tying together opposed foam panels in spaced and parallel relationship to make a form for receiving flowable material is disclosed. The connector comprises a pair of anchor members, one being devised to be embedded in one of the foam panels and the other being devised to be embedded in the other one of the foam panels. Each of these anchor members has a projecting end devised to come out of the foam panel once the anchor member is embedded therein. The connector further comprises a web member extending between the foam panels. The web member has opposite longitudinal side ends, each of the side ends being hingedly connectable to the projecting end of either one of the anchor members. Thanks to such a connector, the tied foam panels of the form wall assembly are movable between an extended position where the foam panels are spaced-apart to make the form and a collapsed position where the foam panels are brought close to each other for transportation purposes.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Polyform A.G.P. Inc.Inventor: Jean-Louis Béliveau
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Patent number: 6668504Abstract: In a sound-deadened wall comprising wooden studs, each of which has a front edge and a back edge, a front wall panel is fastened to the front edges of the studs and a back wall panel is fastened to the back edges of the studs. Further, front spacers are positioned along the front edge of each stud, between the front edge of said stud and the front wall panel, so as to define air gaps between the front edge of said stud and the front wall panel, and back spacers are positioned along the back edge of each stud, between the back edge of said stud and the back wall panel, so as to define air gaps between the back edge of said stud and the back wall panel. Each wall panel has two expansive surfaces and the associated spacers are defined by elastomeric strips adhering to such wall panel, on the expansive face to face the associated edges of the studs, before such wall panel is fastened to the associated edges of the studs.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Knight-Celotex, L.L.C.Inventor: Jeffrey S. Hughart
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Patent number: 6668505Abstract: High-span and high-strength anchors and reinforcement devices for cavity walls combined with interlocking veneer ties are described which utilize reinforcing wire and wire formatives to form facing anchors, truss or ladder reinforcements, and wall anchors providing wire-to-wire connections therebetween. These combine wire formatives which are selectively and compressively reduced in height by cold-working. The masonry anchor have eye wires accommodating the threading thereinto of a wire facing anchor or wall tie with either a pintle inserted through the eye or the open end of the wall tie. The wall tie is then positioned so that the insertion end is embedded in the facing wall. The masonry anchor is embedded in a bed joint of the interior wythe. For high-strength applications, specific wire formatives are used which employ materials that benefit from the cold-working of the metal alloys to meet the unusual requirements demanded.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Hohmann & Barnard, Inc.Inventors: Ronald P. Hohmann, Ronald P Hohmann, Jr.
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Patent number: 6668506Abstract: A weldment connector for use with castable concrete slabs, each of the slabs including a length, width and depth and having at least one opposing and extending edge. The weldment connector has a substantially elongated and planar shaped front face and first and second legs which are both integrally formed with and extend from opposite end locations of the front face. The legs further extend in a combined axial and rotationally offset fashion relative the front face and so that, upon being embedded within a first selected slab of concrete with front face extending in exposed fashion along its extending edge, the construction of the legs exhibits greater resistance to cracking. In use, a second weldment connector is likewise embedded within a second selected slab of concrete in similar fashion and so that its corresponding front face extends along an opposing extending edge, in proximate fashion relative to the front face of the first weldment connector.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Inventor: Robert M. Snauwaert
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Patent number: 6668507Abstract: A precast composite building system usable for walls, roofs, and floors of buildings, comprising a concrete composite panel element having embedded steel I-beams, wire mesh, embed plates, and steel tension reinforcement bars interconnected vertically, horizontally, and angularly by columnar elements rigidly fixed to the supporting foundation, embedded into the panel elements affixed to a transverse steel beam so as to form a perimeter tie-beam connection structure to which additional floor, roof, and wall elements are attached, forming a unitary, superior, load-bearing structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2000Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Inventor: Paulin A. Blanchet
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Patent number: 6668508Abstract: A shear panel assembly including a shear panel in combination with a shear panel hold-down. The shear panel includes a frame and a panel diaphragm including a peripheral edge. The frame includes an upper horizontal frame member pivotally interconnecting the upper ends of first and second upright frame members. A lower horizontal is connected at the lower ends of the first and second upright frame members. The peripheral edge of the panel diaphragm is secured to an inner periphery of the frame within the depth of the frame. The shear panel system includes a hold-down having a base and at least one upright frame member engagement tab pivotally connected to and extending from the base for attachment to an upright frame member.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Weyerhaeuser CompanyInventors: Glyn Richard Boone, Lionel L. Brightwell, Miles E. Waltz, Jr.
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Patent number: 6668509Abstract: The reusable roof anchor presents a novel approach for attaching a safety line to prevent the injury of workers while working on a roof. None of the devices in the prior art combine a reusable structure that can be adapted to any pitch of roof while providing maximum range of motion. The unique structure that joins a mounting platform with an attachment device by a pivoting joint enables this device to achieve this unique combination of benefits. Also unique to this design is the combination of the above attributes with an easy method of installation and removal. This design recognizes and addresses the four most important aspects that such a device must provide: safety, ease of installation and removal, adaptability, and range of motion. While other devices in the prior art address these concerns individually or partially, none address all four. Thus the reusable roof anchor for safety lines provides a major improvement in the safety of workers in the roofing industry.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Inventor: Dale Joseph Krebs
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Patent number: 6668510Abstract: An improved deflection clip for connecting a stud to a structural building member while permitting relative compensating vertical movement of the clip, is disclosed. A planar sheet portion having a front end and a left and right side, has at least two perpendicular panels. A first panel extends downward at the front end of the planar sheet portion to form a bearing surface portion. The left side panel extends forward of the bearing surface portion and has an acute angle bend along its front width. This front segment is secured over the edge of a stud return, and the clip is then rotated so that the bearing surface portion contacts the outer surface of the stud flange. The laterally extending top surface of the planar sheet portion is then secured in any convenient manner to a bottom surface of a structural building member.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Inventor: Ira J. McManus
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Patent number: 6668511Abstract: It is constituted by several plates (1), provided in its outer side (4) with transverse ribs (5), formed by C-shaped profiles and joined together to form a prismatic contour (7), closed by the inner flat sides of all the plates, the plates comprising a means of mutual fixing and detachable means of immobilization. The means of mutual fixing are constituted by hinges (8), fixed to the edges of the plates, and by corresponding oblong orifices (9), evenly distributed on the plate (1) in transversal direction. The means of immobilization are constituted by a through hole (11) made in the shaft of each hinge (8) and by a sliding element (12) provided with a wedge-shaped end (13).Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Encofrados J. Alsina, S.A.Inventor: Pedro Bove Xammar
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Patent number: 6668512Abstract: A very lightweight tubular building element for the construction of reinforced concrete floors and roofs; providing the formwork for the casting in place of the structural concrete and a high quality finished ceiling at the same time. It is a single component that can be installed easily and efficiently without heavy equipment or special craftsmanship; afterward the component is not removed, but stays permanently integrated in the concrete floor or roof. It forms a deck that is impervious, eliminating cumbersome cleaning during construction and leakage afterward, saving the common need of a costly waterproofing membrane over the slab. The formwork deck, composed of a plurality of the invention component, weighs less than four (4) pounds per square foot; and a single component for a common 15 feet span weighs less than 30 pounds, which can be easily handled by only one laborer.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Ray T. Forms, Inc.Inventor: Manuel A. Ray
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Patent number: 6668513Abstract: The present invention is generally directed towards a structural member formed from a sheet metal reinforced with blow-molded member. The sheet metal is in form of a channel with three sides. The blow-molded member has a first portion that contours the three sides of the channel and a second portion that is connected to the first portion to define a hollow interior. The sheet metal has a plurality of openings such that the blow-molded member forms a retention bulb around the openings.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ronald Kemble Roberts, Daniel P. Reed
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Patent number: 6668514Abstract: An apparatus for connecting adjacent panels includes a first panel and a second panel. Each panel has a connectable edge adapted for connection to a connectable edge of an adjacent panel. At least one first panel interface is disposed on the first panel and at least one second panel interface is disposed on the second panel. Each panel interface is positioned on a surface of the respective panel near the respective connectable edge. First and second interlocking elements are disposed on the respective connectable edges of the panels. The apparatus also includes at least one connector with a base and first and second engaging parts projecting from the base. To connect the panels, the interlocking elements of the connectable edges are interlocked with one another. The connector is mounted to the first and second panels such that the base traverses the connectable edges.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Rubbermaid IncorporatedInventor: Erik L. Skov
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Patent number: 6668515Abstract: Composite joint for fitting at least one external member to a sandwich panel and panel integrating at least one such joint. To permit the transmission of static and/or dynamic stresses between at least one external member and a sandwich panel, into said panel is integrated at least one composite joint (10). Said joint comprises a plurality of juxtaposed, elementary, tubular cells (12), oriented in the panel thickness direction, as well as at least one stress introduction cell (12a), in which is fitted a rigid part (14) for fixing the external member. The tubular cells (12) comprise composite walls formed from braided fiber roves and resin.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2000Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Sonaca S.A.Inventor: André Bertin
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Patent number: 6668516Abstract: The distal end of a band remains held after a band-holding step. A band-tightening step is performed by operating a manual tightening switch, thereby driving a drive motor and hence rotating a drive roller under manual control. A band-sealing step and a band-feeding step are automatically and sequentially performed after a tightening stop switch is operated, generating a manual-tightening end signal. It is desirable to use a mode-changing switch for switching an operating mode of the apparatus between an automatic mode and a manual mode. The manual tightening switch and the tightening stop switch are effective in the manual mode and are ineffective in the automatic mode.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Strapack CorporationInventors: Yasunori Sakaki, Tsutomu Tagomori
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Patent number: 6668517Abstract: With a use of a transfer rotor that has gripping claws on its circumference, spouts are received by the gripping claws and conveyed and transferred to spout holding members of a continuously rotating rotor. The transfer rotor rotates intermittently 60° in a cycle consisting of stopping, acceleration, constant speed, deceleration and stopping. When the transfer rotor is stopped, spouts are received by gripping claws. During the constant rotation, the gripping claws are matched with the speed of the spout holding members, and the gripping claws and the spout holding members run side by side. During this side-by-side running, the spouts are transferred from the gripping claws to the spout holding members. At a transfer position, the gripping claws open, and the spouts move along a guide member as the spout holding members rotate, so that the spouts are pushed into the interiors of holding grooves of the spout holding members.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinichi Hiramoto, Shoichi Koga
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Patent number: 6668518Abstract: A machine which makes filter bags from flat tubular envelopes for products to be infused includes a thread applying station having a first drum rotating in a defined direction and a plurality of seats to position and pick up of seals, continuous thread and pick-up tabs fed from feed units located downstream of one another relative to the rotation direction of the first drum. The seal and pick-up tab feed units are supplied with continuous webs fed towards relative cutting elements, which cut the webs into individual seals and individual pick-up tabs. Two feed units each include a corresponding transfer element operating between a corresponding cutting element and the first drum and pick up individual seals and pick-up tabs in a first zone at the cutting elements and transfer them to a second zone separated from the first zone by a given angle and at a seat on the drum.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2000Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.p.A.Inventor: Dario Rea
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Patent number: 6668519Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a shipping container for holding an object has a base for receiving the article is described. A plurality of corner posts is affixed to the base. Each post has a first end affixed to a portion of the base and a second, opposed end in a spaced apart relationship to the base. A flexible material is positioned over the base and corner posts. The flexible material is capable of being removed from the base and corner posts without being torn or destroyed. The object is positioned in a shipping container by positioning the object on the base and positioning the posts adjacent corners of the object. The base with the corner posts affixed thereto is placed in a flexible material having an open end and a closed end. A removable top is secured to the corner posts.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2003Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Buckeye Machine Fabricators, Inc.Inventor: Troy Richey
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Patent number: 6668520Abstract: A modular sliding door grid including a sliding door mounted on a low profile frame. The sliding door is actuated by at least one pivot bar, connected at one end to the sliding door and at the other end to a mechanical linkage. Actuation of a frame bar in a forward direction urges the mechanical linkage in a forward direction and causes the pivot bar to move around a center-point such that the sliding door moves in a backward direction. The backward movement of the sliding door removes support for a case load positioned on the sliding door so that the case load drops.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2000Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Standard Knapp Inc.Inventor: Katrin C. Wood
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Patent number: 6668521Abstract: A band applicator for applying a band about a sheet of material disposed about a pot to provide a decorative cover for the pot. The band applicator includes a pot frame having a pot opening and a band holder configured to releasably hold a plurality of bands. The sheet of material is extended about the outer peripheral surface of the pot, and the pot with the sheet of material disposed thereabout is disposed in a pot receiving space in the pot frame. The pot frame holds the sheet of material positioned about the pot. A band is removed from the band holder and disposed about the sheet of material and pot for cooperating to hold the sheet of material positioned about the pot.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1998Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.Inventors: Donald E. Weder, William F. Straeter, Joseph G. Straeter
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Patent number: 6668522Abstract: Method and device for packing bags filled with product in a box. The bags are made gas-permeable and after the bags have been filled with product the residual volume of gas therein is removed by drawing off the gases present in the bag by means of suction. This is achieved by conveying the bags over a belt on which vacuum is acting. Prior to this step the bags can be subjected to a vibratory treatment in order to optimise the position of the product in the bags.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: BluePrint Holding B.V.Inventor: Martin Prakken
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Patent number: 6668523Abstract: To fold a piece of linen to a very small final dimension, for example a bed sheet to 9″×6″, the piece of linen is kept constantly under pressure after final folding until it has been fixed in a storage position, in order to prevent opening of said final fold. This can be effected by pushing it during final folding by means of a folding sword into a receptacle, from where it is pushed by means of a ram onto a stacking line where its outer surfaces each rest against a corresponding outer surface of an adjacent piece of linen or another stop surface formed by slides or a pressure plate, so that it is fixed in its final configuration. Alternatively, the piece of linen can be fed, while maintaining pressure on the outer surfaces, to a packing apparatus and surrounded there by a strip of packaging material.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Jensen AG BurgdorfInventor: Samuel Gerber
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Patent number: 6668524Abstract: A packaging system and a method of populating a transport belt with a tool for enclosing electronic components in a carrying belt, is described. For this purpose, the device has a heated punch with a structured punch face that has a plurality of mutually spaced punch face strips, which do not cover openings in the carrying belt. One of the punch face strips provided on an upper side of the carrying belt is not covered by the covering film.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventor: Peter Roider