Patents Issued in January 8, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040003445
    Abstract: A ballistic resistant panel for use in protective garments. The ballistic resistant panel comprises at least two layers of multiple plies of a woven fibrous material wherein the plies of each layer are loosely stitched together within the respective layer and the layers are fastened together at the periphery of the panel. The loose construction yields a panel that is light-weight and more economic to manufacture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: FIRST CHOICE ARMOR and EQUIPMENT, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Dovner
  • Publication number: 20040003446
    Abstract: A novelty face mask is assembled from one or two coasters and a conventional drinking straw. One embodiment of the coaster is of generally circular shape with a linear slot proximate the outer edge, such slot defining a tab on the coaster that can be inserted into one end of the straw and a peephole strategically located so as to accommodate a user's eye. Two such coasters can be used with one straw, and in this case, both tabs are inserted together into the straw's end. The two coasters will normally be covered with a complementary design such that the assemblage of the coasters and the straw creates a novelty face mask, which may be promotional, celebratory, or of some other theme. A method for assembling such masks and the resulting masks are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Andrew MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20040003447
    Abstract: A shin rest (10) worn by someone who is kneeling enables the wearer's shin to bear at least some of his or her weight to thereby reduce the stress imposed on the wearer's feet. The shin rest (10) also allows the user to sit back on his or her heels without bringing undue weight to bear on the ankle or the ball of the foot. The shin rest (10) has a body portion (12) that contacts the surface S on which the wearer is kneeling, and thereby supports at least some of the weight and resultant stress otherwise imposed upon the wearer's feet while the wearer is in a kneeling position. The body portion (12) is held to the user's leg by a plurality of straps (14, 16, 18). In a preferred embodiment, the body portion (12) of the shin rest (10) comprises a relatively hard outer shell (26) and a relatively soft cushion liner (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Ian J. Sveilich
  • Publication number: 20040003448
    Abstract: A protective garment (10) is provided for cushioning blows imparted upon the wearer's body. Preferably, the protective garment (10) is an upper body protection garment (10) that is intended to cushion blows imparted upon the upper body of a user. The upper body protective garment (10) includes a chest protector portion (12), a back protector portion, and a pair of shoulder protector portions (14). These protector portions (12, 14) preferably form a single integral unit. An absorbing cap (18) is preferably located on each of the shoulder protector portions (14) and the chest protector portion (12). The absorbing cap (18) includes an inner shell (22) that is secured to the protector portion (12, 14) and a resilient outer shell (20) that is secured to the protector portion (12, 14) about its periphery (28) but has a portion that is spaced apart from and above the stiff inner member to form a cavity (24) therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: Warrior Lacrosse, Inc.
    Inventors: David Morrow, Jesse Hubbard
  • Publication number: 20040003449
    Abstract: A vest to be worn by a driver/passenger of a two-wheeled vehicle or the like provided with a plurality of air chambers which are folded and housed wherein the air chambers instantaneously expand in two stages by being filled with carbon dioxide gas injected through a carbon dioxide gas cylinder connected to the activating device, creating a buffer effect to cushion the impact on the driver/passenger, who is thrown out onto a road surface, a construction on the road, a wall surface, or the like, which is a circumstance typical to traffic accident disasters of two-wheeled vehicles or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Kenji Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20040003450
    Abstract: A cap structure with reduced length of stretchable material in sweatband without deteriorating the stretchability of the cap. The cap has a semi-spherical crown, a peak and a two-segment sweatband comprising a non-stretchable sweatband portion sewn at the area where is corresponding to said peak and a stretchable sweatband portion sewn at the other portion except the area where said non-stretchable sweatband locates both at the lower peripheral edge of said crown to get the maximum covering effect of the stretchable cap and further to reduce the cost of production of the cap by reducing the stretchable material in the sweatband.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: Wei Hsu Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tai-Kuang Wang
  • Publication number: 20040003451
    Abstract: Disclosed is a men's brief adapted to support wearer's scrota and a phallus separately from each other and to prevent the phallus from coming into contact with a skin on the scrota or a groin area. The men's brief comprises a shrunken section (3) for tightening a boundary between scrota (B) and a phallus (A), which is formed by folding strip shaped portions along a middle longitudinal line and the both side longitudinal lines of its front part surrounding the scrota (B) and the phallus (A) and sewing each of the strip shaped portions longitudinally, a first bulged section (3-1) disposed above the shrunken section (3) and adapted to surround and support the phallus (A), and a second bulged section (3-2.) disposed under the shrunken section (3) and adapted to surround and support the scrota (B), wherein the first and the second bulged section (3-1, 3-2) are provided by formation of the shrunken section (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Jee-Woo Yu
  • Publication number: 20040003452
    Abstract: A helmet chinstrap system having attachment straps looped through a stiff molded and perforated cup that is suitably shaped to fit across the user's chin. The system also includes one or more removable cup liners, a center flexible bumper fitted across the center perforation of the cup. Each attachment strap has an adjustable slider mechanism that allows the chinstrap system to be variably attached to the helmet attachment snaps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Paul Schiebl
  • Publication number: 20040003453
    Abstract: A mounting unit that can be worn easily and in which size adjustment and lock release can be operated with a natural hand position is disclosed. The mounting unit includes a front frame and a rear frame. The rear frame being connected to the front frame can move in a back and forth direction with respect to the front frame. And the unit includes knob members which are provided on both the right and left portions of the rear frame, for operation of backward movement of the rear frame. Furthermore, the unit includes lock mechanisms which prevent the backward movement of the rear frame with lock release buttons which allow release of the lock of the lock mechanisms. The knob members are arranged under both frames. Each of the lock release buttons is arranged at a portion on each of the knob members where the user pushes with his/her finger when a user will move the rear frame backward with respect to the front frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Takashi Urakawa, Yoshihiro Saito
  • Publication number: 20040003454
    Abstract: A no-slip elbow pad (10) for securely fastening to a user's arm and adequately protecting the user's arm. The no-slip elbow pad (10) includes a padding element (12) having an inner lining (14) and an outer lining (16). The padding element (12) has at least two bands (18, 20) integrally connected thereto. These bands (18, 20) overlay the inner lining (14) of the padding element (12) and are intended to secure the no-slip elbow pad (10) to the user's arm. The inner lining (14) has at least one friction element (28, 30) integrated thereon. Each friction element (28, 30) is intended to engage the user's arm to prevent the no-slip elbow pad (10) from sliding out of a desired position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: David Morrow, Jesse Hubbard
  • Publication number: 20040003455
    Abstract: A wearable inflatable system (20) adapted to protect a falling body, the system (20) includes at least one inflatable element (22, 24, 26) wearable on a body, which inflates and adapts to adjust a trajectory of the body during a fall, and/or to adjust the alignment of a back and a hip of a body during a fall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Maximilian E. Davidson
  • Publication number: 20040003456
    Abstract: A protector having a cover, composed of injection-molded thermoplastic elastomer and having plural convex portions protruding from a face side of the cover. A bending promotion portion is formed on a groove bottom between neighboring convex portions. The bending promotion portion is composed of a small bend protruding from the face side, and the cover is freely bent as to be convex on the face-side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: FUTAGO SHOJI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Fumitoshi Nishimoto
  • Publication number: 20040003457
    Abstract: The present invention is a portable urinal that may be handheld, freestanding or affixed to a toilet or a vertical member such as a wall. An embodiment of a handheld urinal may include a funnel top configured for attachment to a urinal base. The funnel top may include a splashguard along a portion of an upper periphery of the funnel top and a generally conical lower portion with a narrow orifice at a bottom end and a mount fitting. An embodiment of the portable urinal includes a wall mountable urinal for receiving a mount fitting from an assembled funnel top and urinal base according to the present invention. Another embodiment of the portable urinal includes a urinal base for adjustably receiving an assembled funnel top and urinal base. The funnel top may be configured to receive a handle or attached to a wall mount, toilet mount or freestanding base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Jamie D. Renda
  • Publication number: 20040003458
    Abstract: A flora integrated cover for a toilet tool, which has a working portion and a handle extending therefrom. The cover comprises a flower pot shaped base, shaped and designed to receive the working portion of the toilet tool, and a flora arrangement, shaped and designed to mount over the handle of the toilet tool. Uniquely, the flora arrangement is in a general appearance of plant leaves. Additionally, the flora arrangement is in a general appearance of a flower arrangement. Also, the flora arrangement is in a general appearance of a combined flower and plant arrangement. The toilet tool may be a toilet bowl brush where the working portion is a brush. The toilet tool may also be a toilet bowl plunger where the working portion is a bell, or suction cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald Nasco
  • Publication number: 20040003459
    Abstract: A decorative accessory for tub and shower enclosures comprises a shelf extending along the top of a tub and shower enclosure for supporting potted plants, decorative pots and accessories, and other decorative items. The shelf comprises a plurality of transversely extending brackets and a plurality of longitudinally extending slats which are separated by slots to facilitate drainage. In the case of a tub and shower enclosure having a head piece the shelf is supported thereon by slots formed in the bottom of the bracket which engage the head piece. In the case of a tub and shower enclosure comprising a shower curtain and a shower curtain support rod, the shower curtain support rod and the rings which support the shower curtain therefrom extend through the slot formed in the bottoms of the brackets of the shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Susan Ferreri, William K. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20040003460
    Abstract: A soaking apparatus utilizing a soaking basin and a disposable liner configured to fit within the basin cavity. The basin is comprised of a material layer formed to define an integral floor and a peripheral wall projecting upwardly therefrom. The basin floor and peripheral wall together define the boundary of a basin cavity. An elongate protrusion protrudes from the floor into the basin cavity between left and right foot areas. The liner is comprised of a thin (e.g., 3-12 mils) material layer formed to define an integral floor and peripheral wall projecting upwardly therefrom. The liner floor and peripheral wall are dimensioned to closely nest within the basin cavity. The liner floor also defines left and right foot areas spaced by a protrusion projecting into the liner cavity. The underside of the liner protrusion forms a concave recess for accommodating the basin floor protrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Vladimir Zolotnik
  • Publication number: 20040003461
    Abstract: A toilet unit for a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, the toilet unit comprising a cubicle equipped at least with a toilet pan or with a handbasin, said toilet unit defining a limiting volume that is in the shape of a rectangular block, and that is suitable for fitting into a space provided in the rail vehicle for this purpose, said toilet unit incorporating, inside said limiting volume, at least a clean water tank and a waste water retention tank, wherein said clean water tank and said waste water retention tank are disposed vertically in respective corners of the rectangular limiting volume, each tank having an outside wall that is wedge shaped to match the shape of the corner of the rectangular limiting volume, and an inside wall on its side that faces into the cubicle that substantially matches the shape of said cubicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: ALSTOM
    Inventors: Bernard Leclercq, Bernard Renaud
  • Publication number: 20040003462
    Abstract: A combination bed and desk frame includes an extended height headboard and footboard connected at the top of the footboard by two spaced sideboards. Cross members are fastened between the headboard corner posts and footboard corner posts near their bottoms. A lower pair of bed rails are fastened between the cross members for supporting a commercially available household door, forming a desk top. A horizontally disposed shelf is provided at the top of the headboard for supporting a lamp or other articles. A horizontally disposed dressing bench is provided on the footboard. The bed/desk frame can be adapted to accommodate commercially available mattresses and box springs of various widths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas D. Tolleson
  • Publication number: 20040003463
    Abstract: A chair and bed combination in the cab of a vehicle, which chair comprises a seat part and a backrest which are pivotably connected to each other about a first substantially horizontal axis between the lowered sleeping position and a position in which it is folded up against a wall, and a first frame which is arranged in the vehicle cab and on which the chair rests. When the chair is in the folded-down position, the first frame and the chair are arranged under the bed when the bed is lowered into a substantially horizontal sleeping position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Sture Kjellberg, Glen Barlow
  • Publication number: 20040003464
    Abstract: In a slatted bed frame, the slats (1) are carried pair-wise at each of their ends by a flexible support (2) comprised of an element (20) in which are inserted the two slats (1) and two symmetrical elbowed branches, constituted by two lower portions (21) and two upper portions (23) articulated to each other by a hinge (27), the lower portions (21) of said support being mounted freely in rotation on the bearings (242) fixed to the rigid frame (5) of the bed frame and each terminating in a toothed wheel portion which engages the toothed wheel portion of the other lower portion of the branch of the support, the supports (2) located at the two ends of the slats (1) of said pair of slats being secured in rotation by two transverse rods (3) connecting the lower portions (21) and constituting a resilient return means, a spring being disposed between each support (2) and an abutment carried by the rigid frame (5) of the bed frame, characterized in that said abutment (243) carried by the rigid frame (5) against which t
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Alain De Gelis
  • Publication number: 20040003465
    Abstract: A bedding or seating product comprising a base having a pair of end rails, a pair of side rails and a plurality of intermediate rails. A plurality of resilient C-shaped metal spring modules are secured to the base rails. A nestably stackable wire assembly including a wire grid and surrounding border wire are supported by the metal spring modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Wells, Henry Ramsey
  • Publication number: 20040003466
    Abstract: A bedding or seating product comprising a base having a pair of end rails, a pair of side rails and a plurality of intermediate rails. A plurality of resilient sinuous spring modules are secured to the base rails. A nestably stackable wire assembly including a wire grid, support wires and surrounding border wire are supported by the sinuous spring modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Von W. Brottlund, Kelly M. Knewtson
  • Publication number: 20040003467
    Abstract: A spring-support lath for supporting upholstery of furniture includes a lath body defining a longitudinal direction and having a pair of longitudinally extending U-profiles. Each U-profile is of U-shaped cross-section open in a downward direction and spaced apart in a lateral direction. The U-profiles are interconnected at their longitudinally spaced ends by end pieces and by fixed links situated intermediate the end pieces. The fixed links are spaced apart longitudinally, and at least some of the fixed links include a fastener structure such as a T-shaped member or an oblong hole for connecting to spring elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: FROLI KUNSTSTOFFWERK Heinrich Fromme OHG
    Inventor: Heinrich Fromme
  • Publication number: 20040003468
    Abstract: The repositioning apparatus of the invention includes a supporting bed for supporting at least a lower body of a patient, who needs repositioning therapy on his/her leg, a lower leg supporting bed for supporting a lower leg of the patient, a first movable table for allowing the lower leg supporting bed to move about a substantially horizontal axis, a first drive unit for driving the first movable table, a second movable table for moving the lower leg supporting bed in the substantially horizontal direction, and a second drive unit for driving the second movable table. Accordingly, the repositioning apparatus can make the lower leg of the patient perform a twisting action and a bending and stretching action, which are inevitable action for repositioning the patient's lower leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Mamoru Mitsuishi, Toji Nakazawa
  • Publication number: 20040003469
    Abstract: The Snug Tuck Pillow includes a long tubular pillow, a removable fabric cover, a long elastic strap, with male and female Velcro, and a buckle to receive the elastic strap. The pillow is inserted into a fabric cover opening and closed using Velcro strips. The pillow is then placed on the side of the top mattress. The pillow is then secured by running the long elastic strap under the top mattress and through the buckle at the other end of the pillow. The elastic is then pulled tight until the two Velcro strips on the elastic strap meet and are married. This holds the pillow firmly in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Jeanne Lynn Gill-Barajas
  • Publication number: 20040003470
    Abstract: An inflatable seat cushion having separate compartment that can either exchange air between them or not acording to adjustments made by the user. The seat can also be folded into a small package when not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Yolain Frechette
  • Publication number: 20040003471
    Abstract: A person-support apparatus for use with a suction source comprises a core having a one or more foam elements and a cover having an interior region in which the core is situated. The cover is in fluid communication with the suction source and the suction source operates to evacuate a portion of air from the interior region so that at least one of the foam elements is partially compressed within the interior region of the cover due to the evacuation of the portion of air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Kip VanSteenburg
  • Publication number: 20040003472
    Abstract: A multi-function tool includes a pair of handles and an implement slidably coupled to the handles. The implement is configured to slide in a linear fashion between a stowed position and a deployed position. A bias mechanism is coupled to the implement such that the bias mechanism biases the implement in the direction of the deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: Alterra Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Edgar A. Dallas, Edward M. Wallace, John A. Nason, Phillip A. Montague
  • Publication number: 20040003473
    Abstract: In a first aspect, the present invention relates organomodified silicones having defined structures. In a further aspect, the invention relates to topical compositions comprising these organomodified silicones which deposit more evenly and durably than prior art conditioners on a viariety of fibers, especially hair, of differing levels of damage. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a hair treatment kit comprsising the topical compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Robert Wayne Glenn, Simon Paul Godfrey, Anthony McMeekin, Jonathan Richard Stonehouse
  • Publication number: 20040003474
    Abstract: Hair dyeing composition on the basis of an oxidation dyestuff precursor reacting with peroxide, comprising at least one developing and/or coupling substance selected from the group
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: KPSS - Kao Professional Salon Services GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Kaffenberger
  • Publication number: 20040003475
    Abstract: A sheet and web cleaner has a pair of substantially identical units in facing relation, providing a path for transporting a sheet or web therebetween. Each unit includes a suction hood with an inlet slot. A pair of channels adjacent and parallel thereto have a pressurized air ionizing bar which discharges ionized air at high velocity onto a moving sheet or web. A faceplate covers the channels and the inlet slot and has a tapered central elongate inlet opening which overlies the inlet slot. Elongate air discharge openings overly each of the channels adjacent the inlet opening. A plurality of spaced ridges are disposed on a side of the faceplate proximate the sheet or web oriented relative to a direction of travel of the sheet or web from a travel direction towards respective edges of the sheet or web. Spaces between the ridges communicate with the inlet and discharge openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Peter Mariani, Robert Myers
  • Publication number: 20040003476
    Abstract: A small transmission that has wired brushes attached to the gears (2) and (3). One of the gear/wire brush (2) has an extended shaft to receive a drill motor. Housing (1) is coupled with two closures (4) & (5) to incase the gears, and to harness the shafts. The bushings (6) combined with the bushing bolts (7) so that the top end of the transmission is secured. The right closure bolt/arresting rod (8), and a left closure (9) bolt are combined to secure the bottom of the transmission. A crank (11) is attached to a cranking gear shaft (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Albert Bierria, Gwendolyn Bierria
  • Publication number: 20040003477
    Abstract: A stackable cleaner or product applicator is described in which a rigid applicator body has a downwardly opening compartment surrounded by a skirt and an upper compartment surrounded by an upwardly extending wall, the upper compartment containing a foam body and fluid or gel and being closed by means of a removable top wall fixed to the top periphery of the upwardly extending wall. The downwardly extending skirt is sized to accept the upwardly extending wall of an identical unit whereby multiple units may be stacked in a nested configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: Applitech, LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Juran, Craig M. Saunders, Kristen A. Smith, Trevor L. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20040003478
    Abstract: A brush is provided having an elongated handle with an applicator head to the handle, preferably by a ferrule. The head has a plurality: of stacked bristles with tips that define, in part, a base plane and, in part, a series of pillars projecting upwardly from the base plane. In a preferred embodiment of the brush, the applicator head has a generally cylindrical cross-section and the series of pillars is arranged in a circular pattern. The brush may be adapted for use with a stencil mask as a fabric paintbrush, an artist paintbrush or as a cosmetic brush for facial make-up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Mink
  • Publication number: 20040003479
    Abstract: A visually appealing toothbrush having an applicator portion including a head and a track and including a replaceable bristle bed, wherein the track on which a bristle bed is slidingly mounted is rotatable out of a longitudinal axis of the handle into an open position by the rotation of a knob at the end of the handle, the open position allowing disengagement and replacement of the bristle bed, the track then being rotatable back into the longitudinal axis of the handle in order to trap and lock a newly mounted bristle bed by means of a stop at an extremity of the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Charles Ornelas, Paul Sava
  • Publication number: 20040003480
    Abstract: A dust cover apparatus for use over the existing filter of a vacuum cleaner device comprises a multiple layer permeable flexible bag having a plurality of openings, one opening is disposed in the top and one opening is disposed in the bottom of the apparatus. A storage pocket is provided to hold the vacuum cleaner cord and vacuuming accessories. Elastic at one end and an adjustable tie cord at the other end of the apparatus secures the dust cover to a vacuum cleaner. The dust cover apparatus is removable, washable and reusable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Virginia Kovacs
  • Publication number: 20040003481
    Abstract: A leaf collection apparatus and method whereby leaves are vacuumed into a collector in a manner to reduce dust spread to the area around the equipment and on the equipment operators. Leaves are discharged by a vacuum device into a collector and retained by screened internal walls. Fine leaf particulate passes through the screens and is directed through the floor to the ground under the collector where the particulate accumulates to facilitate collection. Reusable dust bags may be placed under the floor of the discharge path to collect the particulate matter as it is exhausted through openings in the floor. A fluid spray may be injected into the discharge of the vacuum collection device to wet the leaf particulate and facilitate settling within the collection box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: John W. Tarrant
  • Publication number: 20040003482
    Abstract: An improved wheel assembly comprises a caster fork, a caster wheel rotatably supported by the caster fork, and a caster swivel post defining an axis about which the caster fork rotates. The caster swivel post is being adapted to rotate about a pivot axis within a cylindrical housing. Alternatively, the wheel assembly has an adjustable axle for varying the camber angle of a wheel. The wheel assembly comprises a housing and an axle supported by the housing. The axle in turn rotatably supports a wheel. The axle is adapted to rotate about a pivot axis within a cylindrical housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Philip Schreiber, Steven L. Lindquist, Brandon McKee, Allen B. Killebrew, Rex W. Stevens, Ralf Groene, Michael Knopf
  • Publication number: 20040003483
    Abstract: A caster assembly for supporting an article comprising a housing, a ball bearing, and a bearing retaining member, wherein the housing has a bore extending completely through a central region thereof such that a first opening and a second opening are created on opposite faces of the housing, the first opening defining an annular inner shoulder with a reduced diameter, the ball bearing having a diameter slightly less than a diameter of the bore such that the ball bearing is adapted to rotate within the bore, the diameter of the annular inner shoulder at the first opening being less than the diameter of the ball bearing to allow partial emergence of the ball bearing from the first opening yet preventing the ball bearing from completely exiting the first opening, the bearing retaining member being affixed to the housing at the second opening to retain the ball bearing within the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffery A. Herder, Larry B. Stepniak
  • Publication number: 20040003484
    Abstract: A support and guidance unit for a sliding door of a motor vehicle includes a support adapted to be fitted onto a first structure element of a motor vehicle. A roller assembly is rotationally mounted around a first axis X-X on the support and is adapted to roll on a support and guidance rail. The support and guidance rail is adapted to be fitted onto a second structure element of the motor vehicle and devised to slide with respect to the said first structure element. The roller assembly has two running surfaces extending on both sides of a plane of symmetry M-M, that extends perpendicularly to the said first axis X-X in that the normals to the running surfaces have axial components C1, C2 parallel to the first axis and oriented towards opposite directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Didier D'Assumcao
  • Publication number: 20040003485
    Abstract: In a method at a spinning preparation machine, for example a cleaner, opener, carding machine or the like, for cleaning fibre material, especially cotton, an examination of the nature of the trash is carried out, which examination is used for adjustment of at least one adjustable cleaning element, for example a separating blade, cleaning grid or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: TRUTZSCHLER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Fritz Hosel
  • Publication number: 20040003486
    Abstract: A buckle for use with a safety belt includes a buckle housing formed to define a cavity, an actuator aperture in communication with the cavity, and an insertion opening in communication with the cavity. An actuator of the buckle is coupled to the buckle housing and formed to include a button accessible through the actuator aperture of the buckle housing as well as a belt-anchor catch coupled to the button to move with the button. The buckle further includes an ejector spring positioned within the cavity of the buckle housing along a substantially central longitudinal axis defined to extend from a back end of the buckle housing to a front end of the buckle housing. First and second belt anchors are formed to be inserted, at least in part, into the insertion opening to engage the ejector spring and move the ejector spring to a retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Guy R. Dingman, Gregory L. Woodard, Donald C. Boyle, Michael A. Wiseman
  • Publication number: 20040003487
    Abstract: An adjustable magnetic snap fastener for releasably connecting two pieces of material at any one of a number of possible positions. There are a number of stems attached to one plate and a number of magnets attached to another plate. Any one of the stems fits into a hole in any one of the magnets to connect the two sections of the fastener and hence the two pieces of material. Alternatively, there are a number of magnets attached to one plate and a number of magnets attached to another plate, oriented so that every one of the magnets on the first plate is attracted to every one of the magnets on the second plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Howard J. Reiter
  • Publication number: 20040003488
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for removing and installing windshields on a vehicle disassembles in to several light weight pieces. The small pieces are easily transported and assembled at a job site where a windshield is to be replaced. An adjustable height post is mounted on a base that includes a ramp to be placed under a vehicle wheel by driving the vehicle upon the base. A horizontal arm is mounted on the post. The horizontal arm is raised or lowered by a jack type device mounted on the post. The horizontal arm is moved horizontally to place a windshield, held to the arm by suction cups, in position over the vehicle. The horizontal arm both pivots and rotates to correctly position the windshield. The windshield to be replaced is first removed by the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Bobby D. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20040003489
    Abstract: A dispenser package for fluent products such as cosmetics and lotions that includes an integrally molded plastic container having a flexible body with a sidewall, a closed bottom, and a top wall having a dispensing opening offset from the axis of the container body. A closure has a base wall and a peripheral skirt. In some embodiments of the invention, the closure is rotatably mounted on the container body, and has a dispensing opening in the closure base wall for selective registry with the dispensing opening in the top wall of the container body. Detent elements are provided on the closure and container body for selectively locking the closure in open and closed positions. In alternative embodiments, the closure includes a flip-top hinged to the base wall, with a plug extending therefrom for selectively opening and closing the dispensing opening in the container body top wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Craig E. McClean, Robert E. Harman
  • Publication number: 20040003490
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for connecting a first tubular with a second tubular. The apparatus includes a gripping member for engaging the first tubular and a conveying member for positioning the gripping member. The apparatus also includes a spinner for rotating the first tubular. In one embodiment, the spinner includes a motor and one or more rotational members for engaging the first tubular. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a rotation counting member biased against the first tubular. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of connecting a first tubular to second tubular. The method includes engaging the first tubular using a gripping member connected to a conveying member and positioning the gripping member to align the first tubular with the second tubular. Thereafter, the first tubular is engaged with the second tubular, and the first tubular is rotated relative to the second tubular using the gripping member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: David Shahin, Jeff Habetz
  • Publication number: 20040003491
    Abstract: The fastener installation apparatus and method of the present invention include a housing and a moveable body at least partially within the housing. The moveable body defines a plurality of openings and is fixably attached to at least one piston, which is in moveable contact with the housing. First and second cavities are defined on opposite sides of the piston and respective openings in the moveable body are in communication with opposite sides of the piston. In addition, a valve directs a fluid through the appropriate openings in the moveable body and into the first cavity or the second cavity, as desired, which, in turn, alternately extends and retracts the moveable body relative to the housing. A jaw extends from the housing in alignment with the moveable body, such that the jaw and the moveable body cooperate to install a fastener upon extension of the moveable body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel A. Hippe
  • Publication number: 20040003492
    Abstract: A method for winding transformers is adopted for use on Sub-miniature Tube Transformers. The transformer includes a winding shaft which has a winding zone. At least one layer of primary coil is wound on the winding zone, and a first insulation layer is covered on the wound primary coil. Then a plurality of layers of secondary coils are wound on the first insulation layer. Each layer of the secondary coils is covered by a second insulation layer, thus short circuit resulting from peeling off of the lacquer on the copper wires during winding the secondary coils can be avoided, and electric output characteristics of the transformer are improved, and the reliability and quality of the transformer are enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Chi-Chih Wu
  • Publication number: 20040003493
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a connection interface between a reservoir or syringe, infusion set tubing, and an infusion pump is provided. A base is provided which is adapted to receive a reservoir. The base has a base engagement member, such as a detent, projecting therefrom. A cap is provided which is adapted to receive the base. The cap includes a first cap engagement member, such as a detent opening, which is adapted to removably engage the base detent. The cap further includes a second cap detent opening which is adapted to removably engage the base detent. A piercing member, such as a needle, is disposed in the interior of the cap in such a manner that the needle is separated from the reservoir septum when the base detent is in the first cap detent opening, and the needle pierces the reservoir septum when the base detent is in the second cap detent opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: MiniMed Inc.
    Inventors: Randy W. Adair, Sheldon Moberg, Chalirmkiert Srisathapat
  • Publication number: 20040003494
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a multilayer wiring substrate, which can preserve the dimensional stability of a conductor pattern at a fine pitch, solve the restriction on a process from the viewpoint of material selection, and further reduce a manufacturing cost, and a multilayer wiring substrate. A second wiring substrate formed on a supporting sheet made of metal and an adhesive layer are partially stacked on a predetermined region of a first wiring substrate by using the supporting sheet. After the lamination of the second wiring substrate, the supporting sheet is finally etched and removed. The second wiring substrate is stacked only on the portion required to be multilayered on the first wiring substrate to thereby reduce the amount of the construction material of the second wiring substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Hiroshi Asami, Hidetoshi Kusano, Yuji Nishitani, Ken Orui