Patents Issued in January 29, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040016336
    Abstract: In a drum in which a drum head installed on one or both of open ends of a trunk main body that constitutes a drum main body of the drum is tightened by lug bolts and stretched by a hoop, reinforcing rings are provided in anchoring holes that are formed in the hoop for receiving bolt heads of the lug bolts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: YAMAHA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi Hagiwara
  • Publication number: 20040016337
    Abstract: The present invention relates to using transparent page turning sheets or discs that are inserted into pages of a book or other material to turn selected pages of the book or material. Data from the pages may be recorded and/or reproduced by an associated photocopier, computer or printer device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Cornelius S. McNab, Darryl T. Rathbun, Denis A. Stemmle
  • Publication number: 20040016338
    Abstract: A method for processing an audio signal is provided that includes receiving an audio signal and integrating the audio signal with a selected one of a plurality of sound effects. The method also includes generating an output that reflects the integration of the audio signal and the selected sound effect. The output may then be communicated to a next destination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Jeremy M. Dobies
  • Publication number: 20040016339
    Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide an electronic cymbal having improved accuracy for detecting a striking force and a striking position without hampering a striking sensation and an appearance. A piezoelectric sensor 5 and a cup portion sheet sensor 8 provided on a portion of a cup portion formed into a dome shape at a center of a cover 2 on a first frame 3 having the cover 2 formed out of a soft material, the cover 2 spreading to contact with an upper surface of the first frame 3, and an edge upper portion sheet sensor 7 and an edge lower portion sheet sensor 6 provided on an outer peripheral edge portion 3b formed to be lowered by a step are provided, and a center of a second frame 4 is supported by a cymbal stand (shaft) 10 penetrating an opening portion at a center of the first frame 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: ROLAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Yoshino, Masato Katsuda
  • Publication number: 20040016340
    Abstract: Disclosed is a brake booster for a vehicle for making an inside of an uniform pressure chamber be a sufficient vacuum and stabilizing the braking characteristics of a vehicle. The brake booster includes a vacuum tube extended into the uniform pressure chamber and connected to an intake manifold of an engine. A venturi tube having a venturi portion is also installed inside the uniform pressure chamber. A first air suction tube is connected to the venturi portion for sucking out an inner air of the uniform pressure chamber. A second air suction tube is connected to an end of the venturi tube for sucking in atmospheric air. The air sucked in through the second air suction tube is supplied to the venturi portion, and then a velocity of the air is increased and a pressure of the air is decreased. The vacuum state inside the braked booster can be uniformly maintained irrespective of driving conditions or atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Cheol Heo
  • Publication number: 20040016341
    Abstract: An analyte pre-concentrator for gas chromatography is disclosed generally comprising a tube having a restricted outlet and packed with an adsorbent, wherein the tube serves as the liner of a chromatographic injector, as an adsorbent trap coupled to a chromatographic column, and/or as an adsorbent trap coupled to a headspace sampler. Preferably, a heating device allows the tube to be heated. In a preferred embodiment, the analyte pre-concentrator further comprises a column isolating accessory so that a chromatographic column can be temporarily isolated from substances flowing through the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Andrew Tipler, Gary Campbell, Mark Collins
  • Publication number: 20040016342
    Abstract: An air dryer assembly for removing moisture and oil from a compressed air system includes a desiccant material received in a shell for adsorbing moisture as compressed air passes therethrough. A coalescing element is disposed between an inlet and outlet for removing oil aerosols from the compressed air. A check valve is disposed in parallel with the coalescing element and forces the compressed air to pass through the coalescing element as air flows from the inlet to the outlet. During a purge or reverse flow, compressed air bypasses the coalescing element and removes oil collected in the cartridge through the inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: William P. Fornof, James P. Koenig, Leonard Quinn
  • Publication number: 20040016343
    Abstract: An elimination process of fluorinated anionic sufactants from exhausted gaseous streams, wherein the gaseous stream is put into contact with aqueous solutions having in the range from 3.5 to 13.8, the aqueous solution density being lower than 1.05 g/cm3, wherein the concentration in the aqueous solution of the fluorinated anionic surfactant removed by the gaseous stream is lower than or equal to 70 ppm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: SOLVAY SOLEXIS S.p.A.
    Inventors: Stefano Ferrero, Evasio Deregibus
  • Publication number: 20040016344
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying an oxygen-enriched air includes hollow membrane units spaced apart from each other, for separating a surrounding air thereof into an oxygen-enriched air and a nitrogen-enriched air, a vacuum pump for sucking in the surrounding air via the separation membrane units to draw in and provide the oxygen-enriched air, and an oxygen-enriched air discharging unit for discharging the oxygen-enriched air. Each of the hollow separation membrane units is of generally a thin cuboidal shape, and the vacuum pump and the oxygen-enriched air discharging unit communicate with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Kwan Choul Park, Jung Hwan Song, Se Yong Park
  • Publication number: 20040016345
    Abstract: A filter element that comprises a porous molded web 10′ that contains thermally bonded staple fibers 12 and non-thermally bonded electrically charged microfibers 14. The molded web is retained in its molded configuration, at least in part, by bonds between the staple fibers 12 at points of fiber intersection 13. The web may be molded, for example, into the shape of filtering face mask 16.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James E. Springett, Seyed Abolhassan Angadjivand
  • Publication number: 20040016346
    Abstract: A self-contained, modular proportioner unit includes a frame, a water handling assembly supported by the frame, a syrup handling assembly supported by the frame, and a controller supported by the frame. Each of the water handling assembly, the syrup handling assembly, and the controller are mounted in close relationship with one another, thereby minimizing the size of the proportioner unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Klockner KHS, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Deubel, Jay C. Steinbrecher, Peter N. Schultz, Raymond Woo
  • Publication number: 20040016347
    Abstract: An arrangement for infusing a consumable infusable product into a customer-use container enclosing a first consumable product. The arrangement comprises a static whipping device having an internal chamber containing a pressurized gas and an amount of the first consumable product. An elongated discharge conduit is arranged in fluid communication with the internal chamber of the whipping device. The discharge conduit has a distal end with a control valve thereon. The control valve has an adaptor member to slidably receive a single-product discharge tubular member for discharge of an infusable edible product into the first consumable product. A single-product tubular member is slidably engaged onto the adaptor member for use as a straw by a consumer after the tubular member has discharged the infusable edible product into the first consumable product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Frederick P. Gruenewald, Thomas Muldoon
  • Publication number: 20040016348
    Abstract: A digital cooking pan provides temperature and/or food doneness information associated with food cooked within the pan. A thermal sensor coupled with the pan senses temperature and generates corresponding signals, and processing electronics coupled with the sensor convert the signals to data to provide indications to a user of the cooking pan regarding food cooked within the pan. The cooking pan may be programmed to desired food types or personal temperatures or food doneness options. The invention also provides an electronic cooking system in which processing electronics generate a signal relating to cooking characteristics; the signal is transmitted to a cooking appliance controller connected to a cooking appliance to regulate energy output of one or more burners of the appliance. In this way, the heat generated by a cooking appliance for cooking in the digital cooking pan is automatically controlled while the pan is in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Sharpe
  • Publication number: 20040016349
    Abstract: A barbeque system having at least three legs and a variety of components selectively attached thereto, such as a grill surface, a warming rack, a heat source, a potholder, and a utensil arm. Food can be cooked on the grill surface, pots containing food can be heated on the potholder, and food can be warmed on the warming rack. The utensil arm provides a convenient place to position cooking utensils when not in use. The height of the heat source and the warming rack can be adjusted to allow control over the cooking heat. The barbeque system is collapsible and can be contained within a carrying case so that the barbeque system can be easily stored or transported.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Kevin W. Robertson
  • Publication number: 20040016350
    Abstract: A holding and cooling device (11) carrying plungers (12) with pressing surfaces (15) is arranged above the conveyor web (2) and is movable up- and down in relation thereto. The holding device (11) with plungers as well as the underlying part of the conveyer web (2) are arranged in a housing (10) connected to air drying means (32) adapted to supply dry air into the housing (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Jacob Christian Refer
  • Publication number: 20040016351
    Abstract: A holding and cooling device (11) carrying plungers (12) with pressing surfaces (15) is arranged above the conveyor web (2) and is movable up- and down in relation thereto. The holding device (11) carries a closure plate (17), which is movable in relation to the plungers (12), surrounds the periphery of each plunger (12) and is adapted to rest on the conveyor web (2) during pressing of the mass (8). Forming surfaces (18) of the closure plate (17) are adapted to overlap at least part of the rim (35) of the pressed articles (31) so that they are kept on the conveyor (2) when the plungers (12) are retracted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Jacob Christian Refer
  • Publication number: 20040016352
    Abstract: The cooked or dried product from a continuous cooker, comprising fat, protein and residual moisture is required by EU regulations to be processed at a minimum temperature of 133° C. and 3 bar (absolute) pressure for at least 20 minutes. The conditioning system of the present invention is designed to assure that cooked/dried product is continuously processed in accordance with EU directives regarding temperature, pressure and retention time for processing animal by-products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: William Schottelkotte
  • Publication number: 20040016353
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for processing printed matter, in particular, for punching, perforating, grooving, embossing, imprinting, spot-coating or the like. In order to simplify the attachment of the processing tools required for the additional processing, the invention proposes that a carrier be attached to a rotating or flat working element 8. The processing tools can be attached to this carrier such that they can be easily removed again. The size of the processing tools 3 that, for example, are provided with punching lines 4 can be limited to the processing area. The processing tools can be removed and also easily repositioned at any time. A magnetic attachment proved particularly advantageous. For this purpose, the carrier may be realized in the form of a magnetic foil 6.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Bernd Wegter
  • Publication number: 20040016354
    Abstract: A compactor device for the automatic compacting of empty containers (5), e.g. disposable bottles/cans of metal, plastic, glass or other suitable material, wherein the container (5) is essentially being pressed flat and possibly punctured, possibly crushed, and wherein the compacting area is formed by a cuneiform area between a conveyor belt (20) and a first jaw set (36a) and a second jaw set (36b), and wherein a plurality of jaws (32), which are provided with teeth on their active side, are arranged in such a way that each alternate jaw (32), as seen transversally to the longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt (20), is connected to the jaw sets (36a) and (36b) respectively, the jaw sets (36a) and (36b) being rotatably connected to two common eccentric shafts (38, 38′), and the eccentric shafts (38, 38′) being formed in such a way that the eccentric motion of the jaw sets (36a, 36b) is out of phase, typically by 180 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Lars Guntveit, Hans Ulrik Rustad, Niels Erik Andersen
  • Publication number: 20040016355
    Abstract: A gas-phase warhead for use against a hardened and deeply buried target containing a payload that is ignitable when combined with air. After the warhead is delivered near an air intake of a target, the payload is expelled from the casing of the warhead in a slow, controlled manner so as to allow the formed payload-and-air mixture to infiltrate the areas of the target. After a predetermined amount of time, the payload-and-air mixture is ignited and a detonation or a deflagration within the target occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: John W. Jones
  • Publication number: 20040016356
    Abstract: A frangible hollow point bullet is disclosed. The bullet (or slug) is formed from a frangible material such as sintered copper to provide a bullet-shaped body. A plurality of coaxial, substantially cylindrical cavities having progressively decreasing bore diameters are formed in the nose of the bullet-shaped body, extending rearwardly therefrom, to provide a bullet that both expands and fragments in a semicontrolled fashion upon impact with a target. In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the coaxial cavities is multiply scored to provide a substantially symmetric fragmentation pattern and controlled and uniform fragment size. Controlling the aggregate depth of the coaxial cavities enables the retention of a recoverable base or shank that is suitable for ballistic investigation following bullet impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Bill Jopson, Howard Davis
  • Publication number: 20040016357
    Abstract: A projectile 10 for gun ammunition of a size not greater than 50 caliber comprising a solid metal jacket 82 of generally cup-shaped geometry and having a closed end 102 and an open end 88, a core 84 formed from a mixture of metal powders, not including lead, which mixture is cold-pressed into a self-supporting compact and disposed within said jacket, the core incompletely filling the jacket, an ogive 14 having an outer surface and defined on the initially open end of said jacket, and a conical tip 122 defined on the distal end 118 of said ogive, the tip having an outer surface 22 which defines an angle with respect to the longitudinal centerline 24 of the projectile that is less than the angle defined by the ogive with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the projectile. A method is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Harold F. Beal
  • Publication number: 20040016358
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for clearing an immobilized and or derailed suspended coach is described. The suspended coach forms part of a suspended coach transportation system in which suspended coaches suspended from a suspender beam fitted to a conventional rail bogie with wheel sets moves on rail fitted in a concrete box guide way. The method and apparatus involves extending the suspender beam to make it longer than the coach body and providing the ends of the suspender beams with n extensor and lifting mechanism for permitting an assisting mobile coach to use its suspender beam to lift an immobilized coach at its suspender beam and carry or push the immobilized coach for clearance. A method of clearing an immobile or derailed suspended coach in a suspended coach transportation system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Bojji Rajaram
  • Publication number: 20040016359
    Abstract: In a tilting and extending rail system for a mining pump carrier the present invention comprises; pivotal carrier attaching means, sliding rails, accessory attaching means, tilting mechanism and actuating means. In a preferred embodiment, the rail system is utilized to provide vertical and longitudinal adjustment capabilities to an accessory such as a concrete hopper so as to allow motion flexibility and alignment accuracy between the carrier hopper and an adjacent utility vehicle. Therefore, the utility of this invention provides the mining industry with flexible accuracy in aligning an accessory of a carrier as well as providing optimal discharge distance between carrier accessory and discharging unit with a following utility vehicle carrying-on a common task.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Mark Allen
  • Publication number: 20040016360
    Abstract: Transportation system comprising a large number of platforms which can be displaced along guides and a smaller number of displacement devices which can be coupled to and uncoupled from the said platforms. Each displacement device comprises a linear actuator comprising a moving part and a stationary part. The stationary part comprises a laminated plate assembly with coils, and the moving part comprises a structure with permanent magnets, such as neodymium magnets. On the linear actuator, there may be a further linear actuator, so that movement in two directions is possible. A transportation system of this type can be used in a parking garage for positioning vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Berend Tent
  • Publication number: 20040016361
    Abstract: The rail vehicle (1) comprises a sub-frame (2) and a wagon body (3) disposed above it. Between the wagon body (3) and the sub-frame (2) a spring stage (4) is provided and between the wagon body (3) and the sub-frame (2) at least one actuator (6) is provided which is arranged to bring the wagon body (3) from a raised travel position into a lowered load/unload position against a restoring force produced by the spring stage (4) to keep it in the load/unload position. The wagon body (3) is raised into a travel position by the restoring force upon deactivation of the actuator (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Martin Teichmann, Herwig Waltensdorfer, Alexander Schimanofsky
  • Publication number: 20040016362
    Abstract: A tri-level railcar wherein the B deck is fixed along its entire length, rather than having hinged end sections, so that the B deck contributes to the strength and rigidity of the car. To provide sufficient clearance in the A1 and A5 positions, the B deck is positioned at a higher elevation than in conventional prior art auto rack cars. Clearances above each of the three decks may be approximately equal. High cambered decks are preferably employed at both the B and C level. The overall height of the railcar is preferably about 20′2″. All three decks may be continuously loaded and unloaded without the need to stop loading and unloading to pivot the B deck end sections. The ability of the B deck to function as a structural member of the railcar from end to end may eliminate the need for cross braces, i.e., brace bays, as included in typical prior art tri-level auto racks. The side wall posts may all be of the same or similar cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: TRN Business Trust
    Inventors: Robert J. Cencer, Michael J. Rench
  • Publication number: 20040016363
    Abstract: A corrosion-inhibiting coating, process, and system that provides a tight, adherent zinc- or zinc-alloy coating that is directly deposited onto steel or cast iron surfaces for enhanced corrosion protection. A process for applying the coating is also provided. The process includes the application of two sequential aqueous baths. The first bath contains a precursor zinc compound while the second bath contains a reducing agent to deposit the zinc directly upon the steel or cast iron.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Andrew W. Phelps, Jeffrey A. Sturgill
  • Publication number: 20040016364
    Abstract: A protective coating for organic substrates includes an emulsion having a branched trimethylsilylated alkylsilsesquioxane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Gary E. LeGrow, W. Leonard Terry
  • Publication number: 20040016365
    Abstract: A pigment-based black ink. The ink includes a carbon black pigment dispersions, macromolecular chromophores (MMCs), and an aqueous solution medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: BENQ CORPORATION
    Inventors: In-Shan Sir, Yu-Chang Shen, Yu-Ting Lin
  • Publication number: 20040016366
    Abstract: For the improvement of moldability of a lead and bending strength of a lead, a non-calcined lead of a colored pencil contains a colorant, a binder, a body filler, waxes and/or oils, and a hydrophilic surfactant, and as a hydrophilic surfactant, a polyethylene additive of oils is contained. For the improvement of water resistance, a non-calcined lead of a colored pencil contains a colorant, a binder, a body filler, waxes and/or oils, and a hydrophilic surfactant, and further, a water repellent substance. Further, as a non-calcined lead of a colored pencil with easy quality control process, it contains plate type alumina and/or plate type alumina hydrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Yuka Hashimoto, Hiroki Nishino
  • Publication number: 20040016367
    Abstract: The invention provides an aqueous ink composition which contains at least (a) a glycol ether type water-soluble organic solvent, (b) an acetylene glycol type surfactant and (c) a pigment, wherein the pigment has a ratio (B/A) of its dissolution amount (B) in the ink liquid medium at 40° C. to its dissolution amount (A) in the ink liquid medium at 25° C. (A) of from 1 to 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Koike, Hiroshi Ito
  • Publication number: 20040016368
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a component and a method of manufacturing a photo-catalyst; this component includes titanium dioxide and silicon dioxide, wherein titanium dioxide is synthesized by a collosol gelatinization via utilizing the water generated by the esterification of acid and alcohol to conduct a reaction of hydrolysis condensation; the said silicon dioxide is synthesized by a collosol gelatinization via adding alkylaryl silane oxidized compounds; the photo-catalyst with these kinds of components is excellent in antifouling, sterilization, deodorization and can be efficiently applied to manufacturing raw material for textile fiber and coating textile products so as to make the manufactured textile products capable of antifouling, sterilizing and deodorizing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Lien-Hua Chiu, Wen-Tung Chen, Jan-An Guu, Jeffery Chi-Sheng Wu, I-Hsiang Tseng, Chih-Hsien Chen
  • Publication number: 20040016369
    Abstract: A clay slurry is described using smectite clay, water, and a defined phosphonate additive that is hydrolytically stable over time. The viscosity of the clay slurry remains pourable and relatively unchanged over time compared to prior art slurries. The slurry is useful to provide rheological control to paints and coatings and is particularly useful as an anti-bleed additive for concrete.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Wouter Ijdo, Wilbur S. Mardis, Fred Whitton
  • Publication number: 20040016370
    Abstract: Fluorescent functional dyes represented by the following formulas: 1
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: David B. Olson
  • Publication number: 20040016371
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of cementing pipe in well bores and low density cement compositions having enhanced compressive, tensile and bond strengths upon setting. The composition of the invention are basically comprised of a hydraulic cement, sufficient water to form a slurry and hollow glass microspheres surface treated with a mixture of organosilane coupling agents present in an amount sufficient to produce a cement composition density in the range of from about 6 to about 12 pounds per gallon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Jiten Chatterji, Roger S. Cromwell, Darrel C. Brenneis, Bobby J. King
  • Publication number: 20040016372
    Abstract: A piece of furniture having interchangeable components is will have a plurality of interchangeable leg members. Cross-bar members are removably coupled to the plurality of leg members. The cross-bar members are adjustable in length. Cross-bar covers are removably coupled to the cross-bar members. A table top is removably coupled to the cross-bar covers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Edward H. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040016373
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable hold-down assembly for securely holding heavy and/or bulky goods such as automobile seats to a shipping pallet for transportation thereof. The shipping pallet has a base and a hold-down assembly and which has a cross-bar positioned between two securing posts that are movably attached to the base. The cross-bar is configured for rotational movement relative to the base and linear movement with respect to the securing posts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: George N. Bodde, Cindy G. Severs
  • Publication number: 20040016374
    Abstract: A storage shelf with shelf planes is divided into shelf compartments extending in direction of depth of the storage shelf. Articles are stored within the shelf planes adjacent and behind one another in the depth direction. The shelf compartments have a frontmost position, at least one middle depth position arranged behind the frontmost position, and a rearmost depth position. An operating device can access the frontmost position and the at least one middle depth position arranged behind the frontmost position for placing or remove the articles but the rearmost position is not accessible by the operating device. The shelf compartments comprise a stationary support and a moveable carriage for the articles. The carriage is movable between a forward position and a rearward position by a stroke length matching a length of the depth positions. The carriage in the rearward position stores the articles in the rearmost depth position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: NEDCON Magazijninrichting B.V.
    Inventor: Leen-Pieter de Jong
  • Publication number: 20040016375
    Abstract: A collapsible shelf unit has a three-sided frame made of a single sheet of foldable material and separate shelves which are hinged to the sides and rear of the frame so that the shelf unit can be collapsed to a substantially flat state by folding the shelves up against the rear of the back and folding the sides inward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Bevan E. Grueneberg
  • Publication number: 20040016376
    Abstract: A knock-down table that can be quickly assembled and disassembled for compact storage or shipping. The apparatus includes a table top, a plurality of detachable legs and a ring-shaped brace. Coupling members are provided on the bottom side of the table top and project downwardly therefrom. Sockets are formed in the top ends of the table legs for slidably receiving the coupling members. The ring-shaped brace interconnects each of the legs and maintains the structure in a substantially rigid configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Richard Rivera, Guillermo Rodriguez, Moi V. Bui
  • Publication number: 20040016377
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to additives for coal-fired furnaces, particularly furnaces using a layer of slag to capture coal particles for combustion. The additive(s) include iron, mineralizer(s), handling aid(s), flow aid(s), and/or abrasive material(s). The iron and mineralizers can lower the melting temperature of ash in low-iron, high alkali coals, leading to improved furnace performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Oil Sands Underground Mining, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Allen Johnson, John Wurster, John Philip Comer
  • Publication number: 20040016378
    Abstract: A bulk seed storage and dispensing box of the present invention uses properly angled box sides to assist in the flow of the seed from the box. A side discharge opening is essential for ease of use of this invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Powell, Greg Volgas, Lanr Thomas
  • Publication number: 20040016379
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for driving an embroidery frame of a multi-headed embroidery machine having a plurality of heads. Linear motors, for driving the embroidery frame in a direction of X-axis or Y-axis, are subdivided by their capacities so that they can be wired externally to prevent the deflection of the embroidery frame. The plurality of linear motors can be controlled simultaneously by means of a driver and a linear scale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: SUNSTAR PRECISION CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tae Gun Kwon
  • Publication number: 20040016380
    Abstract: A sewing machine includes a hook having a distal end formed with a thread hooking portion, and a thread hooking device mounted on the thread hooking portion of the hook. Thus, the thread hooking device includes a plurality of thread guide portions provided on the bottom of the thread hooking portion to draw a plurality of sewing threads of different patterns and colors, thereby enhancing the diversity of the sewing threads so as to satisfy the user's different requirements. In addition, the sewing threads can be introduced into the thread hooking portion rapidly and conveniently, thereby facilitating operation and replacement of the sewing threads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Tseng Hsien Chang
  • Publication number: 20040016381
    Abstract: A sailboat sail includes a sheet of material that contains stretchable webs that assume a planar orientation when placed against a planar surface, but which can stretch into a sail or airfoil orientation when mounted to a sailboat and exposed to wind loading. The sheet includes at least two webs of PVC vinyl laminated together between which is disposed a scrim of polyester yarn. The yarn is cross-hatched in a predetermined directional pattern. The sail has informational content, such as advertising, printed thereon or otherwise imparted thereto. A method for manufacturing such a sail includes providing a sheet of the aforementioned sail material, printing on one or both sides of the sheet information content to be displayed while the sail is mounted upon a sailboat, and cutting the sheet into the shape of a sail. The sheet may be cut before or after the information is imprinted thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Aaron Kiss
  • Publication number: 20040016382
    Abstract: A unitary fender having a compact spring shape for protecting an object, such as a dock or boat, includes a mounting portion and a resilient leaf spring portion integrally formed of one-piece construction with the mounting portion. The leaf spring portion is designed to collapse and absorb a substantial amount of energy upon impact with another object while a free end of the leaf spring slides along a front side of the mounting portion. In a preferred embodiment, the fender is extruded of a high-strength abrasion-resistant plastic material having a low coefficient of friction, such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The leaf spring portion may include multiple access holes sized admit a tool for installing or removing the fender.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Karl L. Aschenbach
  • Publication number: 20040016383
    Abstract: A fender having a compact spring shape for protecting an object, such as a dock or boat, includes a mounting portion connected to a resilient leaf spring portion. The leaf spring portion is designed to collapse and absorb a substantial amount of energy upon impact with another object while a free end of the leaf spring slides along a front side of the mounting portion. In a preferred embodiment, the leaf spring portion is extruded of a high-strength abrasion-resistant plastic material having a low coefficient of friction, such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The leaf spring portion may include multiple access holes sized admit a tool for installing or removing the fender.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Karl L. Aschenbach
  • Publication number: 20040016384
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for inspecting and repairing a sailing vessel having a hull while the sailing vessel remains afloat in the water, which may comprise a containment curtain of a size and shape allowing the containment curtain to define a work area around a portion of the hull of the sailing vessel; a containment seal adapted to cooperate with the hull of the sailing vessel to define with the containment curtain a region of water within the work area and a region of water outside of the work area; and a filtration system connected to the region of water within the work area and adapted to replace the ambient water initially within the region of the work area with filtered water. The filtered water may be filtered to a sufficient degree to allow underwater imaging of a portion of the sailing vessel in need of repair or replacement, e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: William F. Hux, David M. Candelario
  • Publication number: 20040016385
    Abstract: An outrigger has a plurality of telescoping tubes capable of being retracted and extended with respect to one another, and a sleeve between the tubes; and said tubes and sleeve having longitudinal tracking means comprising protrusions and grooves to permit the tubes to be retracted and extended, while preventing substantial relative rotation therebetween; and locking means to lock the tubes in an extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Roger Scott Wilcox, Scott A. Wilcox