Patents Issued in February 24, 2004
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Patent number: 6694661Abstract: A tree stand rest system comprises a gun and a tree. A mounting bracket is couplable to the tree. Tree stand-offs are adapted to rest against the tree. The top end has a tree leveling screw adapted to be adjusted to various pitches of the top. A strap attachment ring has an aperture. A strap around the tree has a hook. A pivot arm extending generally horizontally has a vertical cylindrical pivotable end rotatably coupled to a pivot arm axle. A pivot arm support cable has a tree end coupled to the mounting bracket and a pivot arm end coupled to the distal end of the pivot arm. A cylindrical support leg extends vertically downward. A cradle is formed in the support leg.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Harley C. Langford
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Patent number: 6694662Abstract: An ice-skimming device for removing ice particles from an ice-fishing hole. The ice-skimming device includes a housing for capturing the ice particles floating in an ice-fishing hole. The present invention also has a handle for carrying and operating the present invention. A filtering assembly is pivotally coupled to the inner surface of the housing for filtering out the ice particles from the water. The filtering assembly is selectively abuttable against a lip portion extending away from the inner surface for supporting the filtering assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Jeffery McClure
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Patent number: 6694663Abstract: A floating hand held tool for engaging a snagged line and for applying force to a line without cutting the hand or arm of the user and without applying undue stress to the rod and reel of the user. The tool has a V-shaped groove in an outer circumferential rim for engaging the line and a center opening for gripping the tool by hand.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Donald R. Drury
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Patent number: 6694664Abstract: A device for retrieving snagged lures has a rigid loop of stiff rod or wire mounted on a pole. The loop is made up of several portions placed in the same plane with one another and connected to a support portion mounted in the pole. The loop has first and second portions that define an acute angle between them at a corner for reaching over and grasping a lure for pulling it upward. A crossover portion completing the loop extends over the first portion and provides a tip for engaging a line and guiding it through a gap and into the loop. Also disclosed is a weighted device which is not connected to a pole, but which includes a similar loop.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Keith D. Knight
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Patent number: 6694665Abstract: A illuminatable fishing line system for enhancing visibility of the fishing line during low light or night-time hours. The illuminatable fishing line system includes comprises a line member having a core portion providing tensile strength, an outer portion providing abrasion and moisture protection, and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion facilitates illumination of the line member during night-time and low-light usage.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Michael J. Moran
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Patent number: 6694666Abstract: A removable grip for a fishing rod may be attached and removed from the fishing rod. The removable grip includes a cylindrical main body that is formed by a pair of semi-cylindrical half shells that when joined together define the cylindrical main body of the grip. The two half shells are each formed with an elongated recess that together define a central bore of the main body for receiving a portion of the fishing rod. The central bore is lined with an anti-skid material that engages the fishing rod such that the grip and the rod are not likely to move with respect to one another. The half shells are secured to one another by any of a variety of securing means, such as Velcrol™ strap members, elastic cap members that are fixed to opposite ends of the main body, wedge members that fit into recesses formed in each half shell, or a strap that wraps around the outer circumference of the main body.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Masakazu Iwabuchi
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Patent number: 6694667Abstract: Disclosed is a storage container enclosing a plurality of spools for receiving filament such a fishing tippet line. The spools are positioned adjacent to each other on separate shafts and rotate independently. Each spool may be removed from its shaft in the container, and a length of tippet line may be conveniently wound around each spool outside of the container. The spools are then returned to their respective shafts in the container. The free end of each spooled tippet line is threaded through an access hole in the side of the container and extends across the outside of the storage container to a structure that conveniently holds and cuts the tippet line. A desired length of tippet line may be withdrawn through the access hole and cut. The storage container is preferably relatively thin and compact. It may be small enough to fit within an average-sized pocket in a fisher's clothing. When the lid of the storage container is closed, the lines on the spools are protected from tangling and unwinding.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Scott B. Davis
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Patent number: 6694668Abstract: A storage device for fishing lures comprising a rigid spool, having a hollow interior, and a hollow lure storage element extending across the hollow interior is described. The spool has an outer surface defining an annular channel comprising a floor and two side walls extending from said floor for receiving a leader line of a fishing lure. Each of the ends of the storage element intersect with the floor of the channel to define openings in the floor of the channel. In one embodiment, at least a portion of at least one of the openings is curved to reduce the possibility for “kinking” the leader line. At least one of said walls contains a plurality of slots that will receive the end of the leader line as will also be explained below. A small aperture located on the floor adjacent to at least one of the openings receives the lead hook of a fishing lure. A tab having a hole extends from the periphery of one of said walls to permit hanging of the device.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Henry C. Barnett, Jr.
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Patent number: 6694669Abstract: Repeating animal traps incorporating one or more inclined plane trap assemblies with means to preclude an animal on the tilting floor member of the trap assembly from engaging the top and/or side edges of the door member of the trap assembly in an attempt to escape from the trap by pulling the door member down to thereby unblock access to the entrance opening. Additional means are shown to preclude an animal within the enlarged holding chamber or enclosure of the repeating animal trap from engaging the inner end portions of the floor member in an attempt to escape from the trap by pulling the floor member down, enabling the animal to climb onto the floor member and then attempt to pull the door member down to escape from the trap. A barrier in the form of sharpened projections and/or an inclined ramp is provided beneath the inner end portions of the floor member to discourage an animal entering or nesting within that space when the floor member is raised in the reset position of the trap assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Woodstream CorporationInventors: Michael Gehret, Clay Tully, John Gerberich, Joseph Radesky
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Patent number: 6694670Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of sod utilizing a porous foundation, such as a geotextile. The present invention is also directed to a method for the production of sod using a soil-less sand based root zone medium and a sod mat produced by the method of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1997Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Michael A. Egan
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Patent number: 6694671Abstract: A plant container comprising a lower section, an upper section removably securable to said lower section so as to define a cavity therein, said upper section presenting a top opening communicating with said cavity, fastening means associated with said upper and lower sections for fastening said upper section to said lower section.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Ronald Vahrmeyer
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Patent number: 6694672Abstract: A ground lining for regulating the water balance of an area of ground has a combination of ground panels (5) which can be placed against each other and a panel covering (51) which has a number of openings (16a, b) to allow the passage of water. The ground lining (6) also comprises a panel base (52) which is located at a distance from the panel covering (51), several reservoirs (54) being provided between the panel base (52) and the panel covering (51). These reservoirs are separated from each other by dividing walls (53) that extend between the panel base (52) and the panel covering (51) and adjacent reservoirs (54) are interconnected by an overflow (55). According to prior art, moisture is only stored above the level of the panel in direct contact with the surface structure or the surface that is walked on. According to the invention, the reservoirs (54) that extend under the panel base (52) ensure a longer-lasting storage capacity and therefore a longer moisture supply phase to the structure above.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Willibald Hergeth
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Patent number: 6694673Abstract: A plug for use in a counterbalancing mechanism of a cable-operated door. The plug is used for operatively connecting an overhead shaft to a torsion spring co-axially mounted thereon. The plug includes a cylindrical collar and a cylindrical flange. The cylindrical collar has opposite first and second portions and is provided with a hooking slot for hooking a free end of the torsion spring thereon, and the torsion spring having a segment coaxially mounted about the first portion of the collar. The cylindrical flange is rigidly affixed to the second portion of the collar and is used for transferring a torque between the torsion spring and the overhead shaft when the flange is securely fixed about the overhead shaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Canimex Inc.Inventors: Normand Savard, Michel Beaudoin, Pierre-Louis Foucault, Luc Bourassa, Dominic Charpentier
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Patent number: 6694674Abstract: The present invention relates to a door opening/closing device installed in a door of a building to be opened/closed about a hinge fixed at one side of the door. The opening/closing device controls the door to be manually opened and closed with an automatic returning device. When the door is opened by a rotating power adjusting device of the door, an oil pusher-plate in a rotary member pushes oil in an oil reservoir so that rotation speed of oil is adjusted by the pressure of oil passing through an oil passage hole, the end of the oil pusher plate and the inside wall of the oil reservoir. The door is opened in a joggling manner but slowly closed as rotating speed of the door gradually decreases, thereby solving problems such as injury occurring at the time of closing the door. A door fixing unit securely fixes the door when the door is closed or opened so as to prevent a gap between the door and a door frame when the door is closed and securely fix the door without movement when the door is opened.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Jae-Ik Son
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Patent number: 6694675Abstract: The combination of a frame, a closure element, and a closure element holding assembly. The closure element is mounted to the frame for movement between first and second positions. The closure element holding assembly has a linkage with first and second connecting ends and at least first and second link elements. The first connecting end is connected to the closure element. The second connecting end is connected to the frame. The first and second link elements are joined to each other for pivoting movement about a first axis and in such a manner that the first and second link elements can be connected to and disconnected from each other by relatively repositioning at least a part of the first link element and second link element through relative movement of the at least part of the first link element and second link element in a direction generally parallel to the first axis. In one form, one of the link elements has a post and the other link element has a socket to receive the post.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2000Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Tri/Mark CorporationInventors: David A. Craft, Julie M. Houdek, Eric S. Svenby, Craig Joseph Helton, Daniel Alan Bennett
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Patent number: 6694676Abstract: A center-matched double hinged door assembly for a vehicle having a continuous side aperture at each of opposite side of a vehicle body comprises a front door hinged at a rear end to the vehicle body, a rear door hinged at a front end to the vehicle body, and a door lock/unlock mechanism operative to prevent the rear door from opening prior to the front door while the front door remains closed, to allow the rear door to open while the front door remains open and to allow the rear door to close irrespective of whether the front door remains open or closed.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Mazda Motor CompanyInventors: Toshinori Sakamoto, Yoshio Fukushima, Tomoo Taguchi
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Patent number: 6694677Abstract: The invention relates to a transportable podium (1) with step elements (2) which in an operating position of the podium (1) have different heights above a floor (6). To facilitate the assembly and disassembly of a mobile podium (1) the invention provides for the step elements (2) to be configured such that they can be extended telescopically and to be arranged in a substantially cuboidal support frame (5).Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Wolfgang Ortner
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Patent number: 6694678Abstract: An apparatus for limiting ice build-up in a gutter, the apparatus deployable in a gutter which has a bottom, the apparatus comprising a housing comprising sidewalls and a base comprising a top side, the sidewalls joined to the top side of the base with the side walls defining a salt block opening through which the salt block is loadable into the housing, with one of the side walls defining a flow opening for allowing frozen precipitation to pass therethrough and contact the salt block and melt.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Brian J. Schneider
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Patent number: 6694679Abstract: A safety stand for safely holding a heavy slab of material is provided. The stand is configured so that a heavy slab can be safely leaned against it. Once the slab is leaned against the stand, the top edge of the slab is in a position such that a lifting clamp or similar device can be attached to the slab. With the stand in place, one person can safely prepare the slab for lifting.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Giuliano Verna
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Patent number: 6694680Abstract: A lifting insert for prefabricated concrete components with a bracket for increasing the shearing strength thereof. The insert is embeddable in the body of the component proximate to one of the faces of the component so that one of its ends protrudes, or is otherwise accessible, from the face of the component so that it is engageable by lifting means. The bracket of the insert comprises at least one brace, which is connected to the insert and is also embeddable in the body of the component. The brace is constituted by a lamina that wraps around the insert in a scarf-like fashion with one of its portions.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventors: Sergio Zambelli, Benito Zambelli
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Patent number: 6694681Abstract: A floor assembly having a plurality of elongated extrusions and a cooperating snap connector that is secured to a rigid underlying support. Each extrusion includes a pair of outer leg members and a pair of inner leg members, each of the outer leg members being connected to an adjacent inner leg member by horizontal support member. Each inner leg member includes a retaining tab extending therefrom. The snap connector includes an elongated base portion and a pair of flanges attached to opposed major sides of the base portion. The retaining tabs cooperate with the bottom section of the flanges to mechanically secure the extrusions to the snap connector. The snap connector is secured to the rigid underlying support.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2000Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Thermal Industries, Inc.Inventor: Thomas J. Andres
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Patent number: 6694682Abstract: A plastics floor covering (1) comprises a plurality of discrete plastics components (2, 3, 4) each having an upper surface and a lower surface (lower surface shown). The discrete components (2, 3, 4) are assembled together to form a predetermined design and are held in the assembled position to form a unitary floor covering (1) by at least one portion of a joining film (14) secured to the lower surface of each discrete component (2, 3, 4). The joining film (14) spans at least the edges of neighboring discrete components (2, 3, 4) and is coated with a thermally labile polymeric coupling agent. The joining film (14) is perforated in a preferred embodiment of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: The Amtico Company LimitedInventor: Luigi Fanti
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Patent number: 6694683Abstract: A sight glass retaining system is provided for mounting a sight glass to a support panel, such as for viewing combustion or other processes. The system includes a retainer which forms a continuous frame and has lateral flanges for locating the sight glass. Retaining tabs extend from the frame and support resilient retaining portions which snap into engagement with the support panel. A resilient element, which may form a seal with the sight glass and support panel, urges the assembly in compression to maintain tight engagement of the components, and generally column loads the retaining portions to preclude movement of the assembly on the support panel.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey D. Anderson, Kent D. Homfeldt
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Patent number: 6694684Abstract: A cast-in-place pass through firestop device for providing a passage in a partition through which wires, cables, pipes, and the like are run includes a housing having a riser portion with frangible connections that define removable bands that can be readily removed by a user to adjust the height of the device in accordance with the thickness of the partition into which the device is installed. The removable bands include pull tabs that provide grasping means to facilitate removal of the bands by a user along a frangible connection. The housing also includes a base portion including a recess with ribs for maintaining firestop material in spaced relation from the base portion sidewall. A flame retardant char forming material, which works in combination with the firestop material to provide a fire, smoke, and water barrier, may also be provided adjacent the firestop material.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: DuWayne C. Radke, Paul J. Cobian, Anthony J. Schommer
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Patent number: 6694685Abstract: Components for constructing wooden frames for structures include top and bottom plates with transverse notches. The notches capture the ends of studs and tongues formed that extend from the ends of posts. The overall plate thickness equals a nominal plate thickness plus depth of the notch. For example, with two-by-fours and two-by-sixes, the actual plate thickness is 1½″ lumber thickness plus ½″ for notch depth. That is, the plate has an actual thickness of 2″.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Richard Celata
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Patent number: 6694686Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide deck protection systems for use with a deck structure, including planks and support structures. One embodiment provides a body having a deep end, shallow end, a trough section, and opposing side edges. The opposing side edges support the deck protection system between two parallel support structures, and water falling between the planks is captured by the trough and flows from the shallow region to the deep region to an exit located in the deep region. The water passes through the exit and a spout, preventing water from touching the supporting structures and preventing water from falling directly below the deck.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Dri-Deck Enterprises, LLCInventors: Kenneth W. Ready, Stephen M. Smyth
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Building glass facade and a clamp fitting for mounting a glass plate in a glass facade of a building
Patent number: 6694687Abstract: There is now provided a building glass facade of a building comprising a plurality of glass plates each of which is secured by clamp fittings for a glass plate, with each clamp fitting comprising two clamp elements that clamp the glass plate between them and also comprising an articulated support of the clamp fitting on a fastening device, whereby a first articulated arrangement comprises a substantially permanently elastic element that is disposed on one clamp element. There is also provided a second articulated arrangement that has two plano-concave lenses that face each other with their spherical surfaces, between which the bolt head of a pendulum bolt with corresponding concave complementary surfaces is guided.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: DORMA GmbH + Co. KGInventor: Hubert Elmer -
Patent number: 6694688Abstract: A covering system for walls, floors, ceilings, and other surfaces, having covering units joined by locking keys. Additional components adapt the system to corners and a variety of surface edges.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Robert A Crepas
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Patent number: 6694689Abstract: Modular flooring systems and methods using at least one free-lay support module. The free-lay support module includes a baseplate and a frame member having a first arm and a second arm that meet and form an angle. Replaceable wear surface modules with or without a backing structure fit within the baseplate. The top of frame partially overlays the replaceable wear surface modules that my be carpet, carpet tile, vinyl flooring, wood flooring, wood parquet flooring or a variety of other materials. In still another embodiment, this invention provides for a free-lay support module that is self-contouring or self-leveling. In yet another embodiment this invention provides a replaceable wear surface modular flooring structure utilizing floor grid members having a “horizontal arm” and a “vertical arm”, each of which are in the form of an open U-shaped channel.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2000Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Interface, Inc.Inventors: Graham Scott, David D. Oakey
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Patent number: 6694690Abstract: The present invention relates to a concrete construction that comprises a concrete slab and a ductile strip adjacent the slab. The ductile strip comprises an engineered cementitious composite of cementitious material and reinforcing fibers with the ductile strip being directly bonded to the slab. The present invention also relates to a method of making or repairing a concrete construction, the method comprises providing a ductile strip adjacent a concrete slab, wherein the ductile strip is made of an engineered cementitious composite comprising cementitious material and hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic reinforcing fibers. The present invention further relates to a roadbed or building floors suitable for vehicular traffic, the roadbed comprises a plurality of slabs and ductile strips comprising an engineered cementitious composite of cementitious material and reinforcing fibers.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: The Regents of the University of MichiganInventors: Victor C. Li, Jun Zhang
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Patent number: 6694691Abstract: A combination floor pad includes at least one base pad, and a plurality of composite base boards fixed on the base pad. Thus, the base boards can be securely locked in the base pad rigidly and stably, thereby preventing the base boards from being detached or loosened from the base pad. In addition, the base boards can be closely secured by the side ribs and the positioning ribs, so that dirt or dust is not deposited between the base boards easily, thereby facilitating the user cleaning the base boards.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Chen Chung Ku
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Patent number: 6694692Abstract: A modular assembly for creating formwork for casting vertical concrete structures is characterized by elongated wall elements which are disposed in edge to edge relationship in two facing rows and which are simultaneously retained in edge to edge relationship and in facing relationship by connecting members. Retaining elements slidably engage connecting members and wall elements in diagonal relationship. Connecting members include engagement means for cooperating with notches in rigid panels which are disposed against the interior surfaces of flat walls formed by the formwork.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Francesco Piccone
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Patent number: 6694693Abstract: A heat block (28) is positioned between the upper lateral flange (24) of a purlin (14) and the roof panel (16) supported by the purlin. The heat block is in the shape of a barbell in that it includes opposed side portions (33 and 34) that are sized and shaped to extend laterally beyond the purlin (14) out into the hot zone adjacent the upper portion of the purlin and the roof panel (16). The heat block is of greater stiffness than the adjacent blanket insulation so that the heat block reliably occupies the space in the hot zone. Phase change material (64) can be incorporated in the opposed side portions (33 and 34) of the heat block.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Robert J. Alderman
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Patent number: 6694694Abstract: An aluminum wall panel comprising a plate, a top flange extending from a top of the plate, a bottom flange extending from a bottom of the plate, a first side flange extending from a first side of the plate and a second side flange extending from a second side of the plate. The panel includes a first projection and a second projection extending from the top flange and defining a channel therebetween. The panel also includes a third resilient projection extending from the bottom flange. The third resilient projection presses against a matching projection of the second wall panel to rigidly connect the wall panel to the second wall panel when the wall panel and the second wall panel are fixed to a supporting framework. The first side flange and the second side flange taper upwards to allow the plate to be parallel with the second wall panel.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Bradley J. Zeeff
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Patent number: 6694695Abstract: Wall constructions and methods for constructing walls. In one embodiment, the wall is constructed from studs that each having a web that has at least one opening therein. The studs are oriented such that the openings in their webs are aligned to permit at least one spacer member to extend therethrough. The spacer members are formed with structure for engaging portions of the webs through which they extend. Retainers are provided on the webs of the studs for retaining the spacer members in position. In another embodiment at least two studs that have webs with openings therethrough are oriented such that the openings are aligned with each other. At least one spacer member is inserted through the aligned openings to engage a portion of each web through which they extend. The spacers are then brought into engagement with retainers on the webs of the studs.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Dietrich Industries, Inc.Inventors: John J. Collins, Larry R. Daudet, Gregory S. Ralph
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Patent number: 6694696Abstract: The present invention is a method and kit for repairing a construction component that has a damaged portion. First, the damaged portion is removed from the construction component. Next, a durable portion is provided that is preferably comprised of a cellulosic/polymer composite material which is moisture, decay, and insect resistant. The durable portion preferably has about the same shape as the damaged portion. The durable portion is then connected to the construction component to replace the damaged portion. The materials for repairing the construction component may be provided in a single kit.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Burns, Morris & Stewart Limited PartnershipInventor: Richard C. Hagel
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Patent number: 6694697Abstract: Main bars end intersecting cross bars each have mated slots in their aligned edges. Deformable pairs of arms on one of the sets set of bars are crimped into openings in the other set of bars at the bar intersections to hold the bars together and make a strong and attractive grating.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: John D. Shepherd
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Patent number: 6694698Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a reinforcement apparatus forming an exo-skeleton of tubular steel rods and adjustable mounting clamps directly in contact with the exterior of previously erected tapered wireless communication monopole towers to provide additional strength and resistance against deflection due to wind forces and additional weight thereby enabling the placement of more antenna arrays and communication instruments thereon.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Creative Design & Maching, Inc.Inventor: Ralph E. Ryan
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Patent number: 6694699Abstract: A post frame building that utilizes columns composed of and upper and lower section that is laminated from standard dimensional lumber. The lower section of the columns, made from treated lumber are set into the ground and cut to level. The upper sections, of non-treated lumber is joined to the lower section by means of a staggered slip joint. The upper end of the upper column section forms a sleeve into which a deep heel truss is set. Pre-fabricated girt panels are applied to the columns prior to truss mounting. Prefabricated applied between the trusses form a complete structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Thomas Eugene Dowland
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Patent number: 6694700Abstract: A fastener for use in forming a joint of a framework for a patio enclosure. The joint includes an end of an elongated first frame member fastened to a side of an elongated second frame member. The fastener includes a body having a first end and a second end defining an outer surface therebetween. The second end is adapted to fit in a hollow portion of the first frame member. The fastener further includes a plate extending outwardly from the body. The plate is adapted to be fastened to the side portion of the second frame member. A stop extends outwardly from the outer surface of the body. The stop provides for positioning of the fastener relative to the first frame member when the second end is positioned within the hollow portion of the first frame member.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2000Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Kraig D. Mackett
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Patent number: 6694701Abstract: In a door constructed of spaced apart skins mounted on a rectangular frame and reinforced with the core between the skins filled with a plastic foam, a window or door light frame system consists of a two part frame system with a window light permanently installed in one part of the system and the other part releasably adapted to register with the frame part with the window light installed during shipping and rotated when installed to bring the locking elements of the several parts into registry to permanently lock the frame system in an aperture formed in a door with stop means in the locking arrangements to prevent damage to the frame system or the door on which the frame system is installed from excessive compressive forces on the frame parts.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Plastpro 2000, Inc.Inventors: Shirley Wang, Pao Tu An, Wen Hsian Chen
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Patent number: 6694702Abstract: A door construction includes first and second door blanks each defining an L-shaped profile including: (i) a back member; (ii) a base member. The blanks are secured in opposed nesting relation to define first and second seams. The first and second seams. The first and second base members define edges of the door. The base member of the first blank defines a foot including a first contact surface and the back member of the first blank is folded upon itself to define a second contact surface. The base of the second blank defines a foot including a third contact surface and the back member of the second blank is folded upon itself to define a fourth contact surface. The first seam is defined at the abutment of the first and fourth contact surfaces, and the second seam is defined at the abutment of the second and third contact surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Amweld Building Products, LLCInventors: Paul P. Weymer, David A. Nist
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Patent number: 6694703Abstract: Blanks for conversion into hinged-lid packets for block-shaped arrays of cigarettes in metal foil envelopes are supplied by a first turntable to an assembling station where successive blanks are overlapped by successive arrays furnished by a second turntable. Each blank is draped around the envelope of the respective array in part at the assembling station and in part at a further station downstream of the assembling station, as seen in the direction of joint advancement of the arrays and the corresponding blanks toward an evacuating station. Each array is moved at the assembling station vertically downwardly from a pocket of the second turntable into a pocket of the first turntable; the latter thereupon advances the arrays and the blanks jointly to the further station, and the finished packets—with the arrays confined therein—to the evacuating station.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1998Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Topack Verpackungstechnik GmbHInventors: Jürgen Grossmann, Frank Bley, Josef Glösmann, Michael Kleine Wächter
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Patent number: 6694704Abstract: A process for manufacturing a film for forming reclosable bags includes moving the film and attaching to the film sequentially and crosswise with reference to the direction of movement of the film, a fastener including a first strip supporting at least one reclosable profile engaged with another reclosable profile that is complementary thereto and that is supported by a second strip or a part of the first strip, which will subsequently be attached to the film. Each strip includes at least one web extending substantially mostly sideways on one side of the profiles. The above arrangements make possible special fasteners that include sliders, gasket membranes, fasteners inverted within the bag, peel-seals and hinged fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2000Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Steven Ausnit
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Patent number: 6694705Abstract: A defoaming apparatus (22) defoams a foamable product that is dispersed into a container such as a TETRA REX gable-top carton (80). The defoaming apparatus (22) creates a sonic shock wave (110) that destroys most if not all of the bubbles of the foamable product. The defoaming apparatus (22) has a body (100) that defines a recessed cavity (102). A pair of electrodes (106, 108) is located within the recessed cavity (102). The opening to the cavity (102) can include a radio frequency filter (114) covering to absorb radio waves created from the sonic shock wave (110). The defoaming apparatus (22) is preferably disposed immediately after the filling of the container (80).Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, SAInventors: Karl Frei, Sevugan Palaniappan, Robert Massey, Ken Pokusa
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Patent number: 6694706Abstract: The invention relates to a facility and method for filling product receptacles (1), especially cartons, with a predetermined amount of products (2), especially flexible bag packaging, which are individually fed at regular or irregular intervals and assembled to form a group of products (11) and which are subsequently fed to an available product receptacle (1). The products (2) in the group of products (11) can be selectively placed on or under the preceding product. The group of products (11) can be selectively fed to the product receptacles (1) vertically or horizontally.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Nor-Reg A/SInventors: Heinz Odenthal, Herbert Schulte
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Patent number: 6694707Abstract: An apparatus and a method for populating transport tapes with electronic components includes a mold support having at least one recess over which a flat plastic strip is disposed. A heater heats the mold support and/or the plastic strip in an area of the recesses. An embossing tool, which has the electronic component in its embossing area, together with the electronic component, is embossed into the plastic strip in the direction of the recess into the mold support to form a tape pocket.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Rudolf Lehner, Stefan Paulus
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Patent number: 6694708Abstract: A method and machine for producing a rigid packet of cigarettes from a flat, substantially rectangular blank; the blank has two main longitudinal crease lines, and a number of transverse crease lines defining, between the two main longitudinal crease lines, central panels having respective lateral wings; the flat blank is fed to a prefolding station where the lateral wings of at least one of the central panels are folded about the respective main longitudinal crease lines; and the blank is subsequently restored to the flat configuration before being fed to a follow-up folding station.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: G.D Societa' Per AzioniInventors: Marco Brizzi, Michele Squarzoni, Fiorenzo Draghetti
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Patent number: 6694709Abstract: An apparatus to charge and seal in contents is provided with a supporting portion for containers, holding portions for seal plugs, airtight chambers, a pressure gas supplier and a vacuum pump. The container has a receiving chamber and it is to be put on the supporting portion being the chamber is charged with contents and being the chamber's opening portion faced upward. The seal plug is for sealing the opening portion. The airtight chamber is composed of a main portion and a cap portion. The main and cap portions freely move relatively and freely contact tightly, then they surround the supporting and the holding portions in airtight condition. Further, the supporting portion and the main portion freely move relatively in airtight condition, so as the holding portion and the cap portion do, and the supporting portion and the holding portion are freely separated from each other.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Nippon Tansan Gas Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masashi Takahashi, Tetsuo Yoshiwara
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Patent number: 6694710Abstract: The present invention discloses a vacuum bag sealing machine used for vacuumizing and sealing plastic bag containing food or the like therein so as to keep the food or the like fresh. The vacuum bag sealing machine comprises a main body consisted of a top cover and a base connected pivotally with the top cover; a static sealing unit including an upper and a lower sealing strip which are disposed on the front portion of the main body, the lower sealing strip being provided with a predetermined number of through holes; a vacuum generating unit including a vacuum pump and an exhaust tubule mounted on the base, the vacuum pump being communicated with the predetermined number of through holes formed in the lower sealing strip through the exhaust tubule; and a heating and opening-sealing unit. The vacuum bag sealing machine is improved in the static sealing unit and the vacuum generating unit, so that it has an increased sealing reliability and a quickened vacuumizing speed.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Donglei Wang