Patents Issued in March 11, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040045171
    Abstract: A folding tool such as a knife or multitool has a handle defined by opposed side walls with a slot therebetween. An implement such as a blade is pivotally connected to the handle. A spring such as a liner disposed between the implement and one side wall has a longitudinal slot cut therein and opening on the end adjacent the implement attachment to define a spring arm. The slot includes a constricted zone that is preferably substantially V shaped and has an apex aligned with the pivot axis of the implement. A pin on the implement rides in the slot. When the pin is on the rearward side of the apex the spring arm applies pressure to the implement and prevents it from moving into the open position. The implement is thus safely and securely locked into the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Mentor Group LLC
    Inventor: Stan Moizis
  • Publication number: 20040045172
    Abstract: A utility knife includes a handle assembly comprising first and second handle portions pivotally movable between open and closed positions. A blade carriage within the assembly carries a blade. When the handle portions are in the open position the blade carriage is exposed to enable cutting blade replacement. A threaded fastener mounted on the handle assembly includes a knob portion to enable the fastener to be manually moved between a locking position in which the fastener holds the handle portions in their closed position and a releasing position in which the handle portions can be moved between open and closed positions. A detent assembly is operatively connected to threaded fastener to releasably hold the fastener in its locking position. Movement of the second handle portion into its open position pivots an end portion of the blade carriage outwardly away from the first handle portion to facilitate blade replacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen Rowlay
  • Publication number: 20040045173
    Abstract: A cutting device has two jaws (1, 2) which can be moved one over the other by means of manual operation. At least one of the jaws has a cutter (3) and a protective nose (4). The protective nose (4) is arranged in front of the cutter (3) and projects into the cutting mouth extending between the jaws (1,2). The protective nose (4) can evade a restoring force (7). One of the jaws (1) embodies an avoidance chamber (5). A bottom (6) of the avoidance chamber (5) supports the end of a spring (7). An end of the spring (7) engages the protective nose (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Winfried Ebert
  • Publication number: 20040045174
    Abstract: A tool for cutting/crimping a workpiece, such as a cable, includes an automatic rapid blade advance such that a blade on a movable jaw of the tool advances toward cutting the cable every time the handles of the tool are closed. The automatic rapid blade advance also advances the blade on the movable jaw toward cutting the cable every time the handles of the tool are opened up until the blade on the movable jaw first encounters a resistive force from the cable. The tool also includes an automatic blade return such that the blade on the movable jaw will automatically return to its original position after the blade has cut through or crimped the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: GREENLEE TEXTRON INC
    Inventor: William F. Nordlin
  • Publication number: 20040045175
    Abstract: A tree pruner has a extension rod, a cutting set and a pull cord. The cutting set is mounted on the top end of the extension rod and has a stationary blade, a pivoting blade, an actuating lever and a pinion gear. The stationary blade is securely connected to the top end of the extension rod. The pivoting blade is pivotally attached to the stationary blade and has multiple driven teeth. The actuating lever is pivotally attached to the stationary blade and has multiple actuating teeth. The pinion gear is rotatably mounted on the stationary blade and engages the driven teeth on the pivoting blade and the actuating teeth on the actuating lever. Accordingly, the cutting set can easily cut off a tree branch, and the force applied to the pull cord is magnified at the blades of the tree pruner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Ming-Shan Jang
  • Publication number: 20040045176
    Abstract: A battery-operated hand power tool (10), in particular a power saw (101), having a housing (12) into which a battery pack (28) can be detachably inserted in captive fashion, and between the battery pack (28) and the housing (12), an elongated auxiliary tool (38) is stored, in particular for releasing the tool, preferably the saw blade, is made more secure and convenient to manipulate by disposing the auxiliary tool (38) in such a way that it is visible from outside and is easy to feel, and in particular can be reached through.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Oliver Koukal, Klaus Baumgaertner, Klaus Schoen
  • Publication number: 20040045177
    Abstract: A method of reducing an n-order component of a radial run out (RRO) of a wheel rim is disclosed, wherein an average Y of RRO Y1 and RRO Y2 of the bead seats is obtained around the wheel rim; the peak-to-peak amplitude X of the n-order component of the average Y is obtained; minimum position(s) at which the n-order component becomes minimum is found to determine deep position(s) P on the wheel rim corresponding to the minimum position(s); a corrective tape having a thickness t of 0.1 to 0.5 mm is applied to the bead seat(s) at each deep position P, wherein the length L of the corrective tape is determined by the following precision expression (1) or alternatively simplified expression (2) 1 L0 = R π × n × arcsin ⁡ ( X t × a × 1.3 ) ( 1 ) L0 = 100 × R × X 360 × t × a × n ⁢   ⁢ where ⁢   ⁢ 0 < L0 R < 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20040045178
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning and cutting pipes to extract and install piping in industrial plants is characterized by the use of lasers on a ring for aligning the cutting tool. By adjusting the ring so that beams from the lasers strike specified targets at a remote location corresponding with a pipe end, a cutting location is defined so that the trimmed end of a first pipe will properly align with a remote pipe. When the pipes welded together, their ends will match, thereby minimizing stress in the pipe. A cutting tool can be provided directly on the ring so that the pipe can be cut without removing the ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Dennis Dameron
  • Publication number: 20040045179
    Abstract: A combination compass is constructed to include a housing, a compass device mounted inside the housing, a top cover pivoted to one end of the housing and being capable of covering over the compass device. The top cover has a mouthpiece, a resonance chamber, an air passage connected between the mouthpiece and the resonance chamber, and a sound producing device disposed in the air passage and adapted to produce sound when the user blowing air into the mouthpiece with the mouth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Gin-Sung Chang
  • Publication number: 20040045180
    Abstract: A tool for inspecting and verifying weld beads in a pipeline includes a plate-like structure which has a surface and edges adapted for inspecting and verifying various weld bead attributes. The surface is imprinted with several identification marks, including for example, wall thicknesses and ratios of weld bead width to wall thickness. The tool can be used to verify weld bead convexity, weld bead concavity, and weld bead width for many different wall thicknesses. The tool is capable of verifying weld bead width and axial alignment of successive sections of pipe along the pipeline. All verifications and measurements are visual and tactile, without need for complex machinery or calculations, and can be accomplished with a single, lightweight tool. Additionally, a single tool can be used to verify weld beads for a variety of different pipe thicknesses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Byron G. Barefoot
  • Publication number: 20040045181
    Abstract: An apparatus for checking the diameter of crankpins of a crankshaft in the course of the machining in a grinding machine includes a Vee-shaped reference device, a measuring device associated with the reference device and including a feeler axially movable along the bisecting line of the Vee-shaped reference device, and a support device with a first arm rotating with respect to a support arranged on the grinding-wheel slide and a second arm rotating with respect to the first and carrying the Vee-shaped reference device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Carlo Dall'Aglio, William Montanari
  • Publication number: 20040045182
    Abstract: The invention relates to a position measuring system for scanning a movement between a first element and a second element which is arranged in a moveable manner in relation to the first element. Said system comprises a material measure which can be fixed to the first element and has a scale carrier, and a scanning head which can be fixed to the second element and which scans a movement of the material measure in relation to the scanning head. The inventive system comprises a mount by which means the material measure and the scanning head can be fixed to each other in a pre-determined position, the scanning head being detachably fixed to the scale carrier. In order to assembly one such position measuring system on a first element and a second element moving in relation thereto, the scanning head is fixed to the material measure in such a way that the scanning head and the material measure are mutually fixed in position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Freitag, Heinz-Guenther Franz, Andreas Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20040045183
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for the drying of damp products, in particular, pasta. According to the invention, the product to be dried in a dryer, is placed in an inner chamber and humid warm air is circulated around the product, in order to ensure a gentle drying thereof. Dry hot air flows in an outer chamber, enclosing the inner chamber, which prevents condensation of water forming in the outer chamber. The inner shell has essentially no heat insulation as the external shell has a conventional heat insulation from the outside air. The dryer construction with a double shell prevents damp from entering the insulation material of the insulating layer through the inner shell and thus forming heat bridges, despite incomplete sealing of the inner chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Bernd Watzinger, Bernhard Fritsche, Franz Aebli
  • Publication number: 20040045184
    Abstract: A gas flow regulating surface portion 37a is the farthest from the front surface of a wafer W in the middle between a peripheral portion of the wafer W and a center portion of a sealing vessel. The gas flow regulating portion 37a protrudes to the front surface of the wafer W in the vicinity of a center portion that surrounds an exhausting opening 35a. In other words, a convex portion 37c is formed in a peripheral area of the gas flow regulating surface portion 37a that surrounds the exhausting opening 35a. Since treatment gas flows along the front surface of the gas flow regulating portion 37a, treatment gas equally contacts the wafer W in the radius direction of the wafer W. Thus, a film with equal thickness is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Takeshita, Shinji Nagashima, Yoji Mizutani, Kyoshige Katayama
  • Publication number: 20040045185
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer drying apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, this apparatus includes a bath which can contain much deionized water so that semiconductor wafers soak in the deionized water; a chamber providing a space where vapor flows over the bath; a vapor supply line supplying vapor to the internal space of the chamber; an exhaust line discharging vapor contained in the chamber; a deionized water exhaust line discharging deionized water in the bath; a semiconductor wafer holder supporting the semiconductor wafer in the bath; and pitch guides placed at left and right sides of the semiconductor wafer, movable to a first position and a second position in a vertical direction, wherein the pitch guides are separated from the semiconductor wafer at the first position and contact the semiconductor wafer at the second position thus preventing the movement of the semiconductor wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Myung-Hwan Shin, Man-Young Lee, Kyung-Seuk Hwang
  • Publication number: 20040045186
    Abstract: A process for drying/heat-treating nonwoven webs in which the web is partially dried under tension in a first drying zone and further heat treated under low tension or in a substantially tensionless state a second drying zone. The process significantly reduces the occurrence of stretch-type defects in the nonwoven webs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: John C. Cleary, Michael C. Davis, Todd A. McCoy, Edgar N. Rudisill
  • Publication number: 20040045187
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for drying articles either free of applied heat or with a significantly reduced heating requirement. The apparatus includes a drying gas source is operative to dehumidify a moisture-laden gas, such as ambient air, flowing in the flow path to provide a drying gas to a drying chamber of a receptacle holding the articles. The drying gas removes moisture, or other cleansing liquid, from articles held in the chamber. The drying gas and moisture entrained in the drying gas are exhausted from the receptacle. The apparatus may optionally be equipped to provide a cleansing liquid, such as water, to the receptacle for mixing with the articles before the drying gas is supplied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Andrew Corporation
    Inventors: John Michael Curry, Troy Inslee Vanderhoof, Brian Douglas Cross
  • Publication number: 20040045188
    Abstract: An apparatus for drying a substrate using an isopropyl alcohol vapor includes a container for receiving an isopropyl alcohol vapor to dry a plurality of substrates wherein an opening is vertically formed through an upper portion of the container to permit the loading and unloading of the substrates; a supporting member for supporting the plurality of substrates in the container in a vertical direction and for supporting the substrates side by side in a horizontal direction, wherein the supporting member extends through the container and through the opening; and a cover for obstructing a flow of clean air from flowing directly from an air cleaner disposed over the container into the container through the opening. In addition, the apparatus may include an inert gas supplying member to supply an inert gas onto the substrates to prevent native oxide films from forming on the substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Yong-Kyun Ko, Jae-Jun Ryu, Hun-Jung Yi, Pil-Kwon Jun
  • Publication number: 20040045189
    Abstract: A waterproofed and breathable sole (10) for shoes, which comprises a tread (11) made of leather, or similar breathable and water-permeable material, which is at least partially covered in an upward region by a membrane (12) made of a material that is breathable and impermeable to water and is perimetrically joined to the tread (11) with the interposition of a sealant (13) or by direct adhesion thereof so as to provide a seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Mario Polegato Moretti
  • Publication number: 20040045190
    Abstract: Winter boots and shoes can be equipped with a removable traction attachment that facilitates easy non-slip motion on ice, snow, dirt, gravel, etc. The traction attachment can include an elastomeric panel fitting the sole of the boot or shoe, an integral front strap system fitting over the toe of the boot, and an integral rear strap system fitting snugly on the heel of the boot. The panel and strap systems have controlled elasticity, so that a given size attachment can fit a range of different size boots or shoes. Replaceable metal cleats are carried on downwardly protruding sections of the elastomeric panel, to provide traction assistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: David K. Washburn, David B. Gould, Anne C. Gould
  • Publication number: 20040045191
    Abstract: A high-heeled dancer's shoe providing the structural integrity to prevent bowing and to execute energetic character dancing steps and simultaneously maintaining the flexibility necessary to execute jazz steps. The shoe comprises a front sole support made of hard rubber with a predetermined tensile strength or of fabric cushioning, the front sole support spanning a length and width of an area of a front sole, a hard plastic high heel, a metal shank extending from a back of the shoe and entirely covering the heel and forward over the arch in a middle portion of the shoe, and a shoe body including a flexible shoe upper shaped for receiving the dancer's foot, including left and right sides that have an elastic insert above in an area of an arch, and a continuous layer of leather spanning a length and width of the shoe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Phillip F. LaDuca
  • Publication number: 20040045192
    Abstract: An air bladder device includes a casing having a transparent or semi-transparent wall, an air bag received in the casing, and one or more patterns disposed between the wall and the air bag. The air bag is inflatable to move the patterns toward and away from the wall. The patterns are preferably spatial patterns and are deformable, and may be deformed when the patterns are forced against the wall, such that the patterns may be seen through the wall as changing patterns. The casing may include a scale for indicating the inflation of the air bag by the deformed patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Li Chieh Lin
  • Publication number: 20040045193
    Abstract: A shoe for walking quietly on a variety of surfaces including an upper and an outsole attached to the upper. The outsole includes a pile material extending from the bottom thereof. The shoe may include a cushioning midsole interspersed between the upper and outsole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Douglas George Peetsch, James Richard Clayton
  • Publication number: 20040045194
    Abstract: By carrying out reinforcement maintenance of the 3 arch structures which this insole of shoe originally has, such as a horizontal arch of foot, and inner side longitudinal arch of foot, and an outside longitudinal arch, the shock absorption of the leg at the time of a walk run is reinforced, and the function of the whole body is improved. It adhered independently to three places equivalent to which the reference point which each arch intersects is, and components, such as a rubber system or a synthetic resin, were made higher than the base of an insole at them, and the whole upper surface of them and a base was covered with cloth or leather, and it considered as three layer structure. It makes it possible not only to prevent fatigue of the whole body, and an obstacle, but for this to expand the cave of each arch middle part, to promote circulation of air, and to prevent morbid obstacles such as athlete's foot, plantar fascities, sports anemia, a flat leg, and hallux valgus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Mitsuharu Kumai
  • Publication number: 20040045195
    Abstract: An orthopaedic shoe has an outsole and a special insole including an array of independently vertically movable sections or elements which are heat moldable to retain the contour of the users foot and which serve to reduce or avoid peak pressures and evenly distribute pressure during walking. The resilient sections preferably have a height which is substantially equal to or greater than the lateral extent of the sections, to permit swaying action and to reduce shear forces on the users feet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Royce Medical Company
    Inventors: Kelly M. Long, Tracy E. Grim, Joseph M. Iglesias, Kevin O'Donnell
  • Publication number: 20040045196
    Abstract: A padded shoe includes a flexible, resilient sole having a substantially outer surface. A shoe upper is adjoined to the sole, the shoe upper having closed-cell foam padding disposed therein. The shoe upper includes a padded tongue including an inner tongue portion and an outer padded tongue portion. Fastening structure retains the shoe on the foot of a wearer. Engagement structure is included for securing the outer padded tongue to cover the inner tongue portion. The outer padded tongue portion substantially covers the engagement structure. The wearer can strike a target with the shoe, and the target and the wearer are protected from injury caused by direct impact with the fastening structure and the engagement structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Ringstar, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven H. Shepherd
  • Publication number: 20040045197
    Abstract: A novel kit, method, and system for the identification of a key and a corresponding lock. The kit, method, and system involve use of a first sticker and a second sticker, each sticker having an identical identification aspect. The first sticker is placed on a key and the second sticker is placed on a lock. By virtue of the identical identification aspects of the two stickers, a user can identify the key and the corresponding lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Tomsich
  • Publication number: 20040045198
    Abstract: This invention relates to a crystal ball structure that delivers virtual snowfall scene and light effect, comprising of a crystal ball enclosing a thematic sight and liquid, a seat to support the crystal ball and contain a drive mechanism, an agitating mechanism that can rotate to stir the liquid, and a light to enhance the decoration effect. Under the drive of the dynamic drive mechanism, a gear train and an agitating mechanism, which is powered from a manually fastened spring, the fans of the agitating mechanism agitates the liquid to stir the floating matter dispersed in the liquid and generate a virtual scene of snowfall scene under the reflection of the light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Jack Liu
  • Publication number: 20040045199
    Abstract: An advertising lighting and display device including at least one curved, transparent plate provided with indicia etched into at least one of the surfaces thereof, a light source operatively associated with at least a portion of the edges of said curved plate, said edges having angled and segmented surfaces for increasing the quantity of incident light from the light source with a plurality of light-transmitting color sheets of variable colors attached to said angled and segmented surfaces, and a programmable logic controller operatively connected to the light source for controlling the light color and sequence thereof to be delivered to the edges of the curved plate and ultimately displayed on the curved surface of the display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Kilwoong Ki
  • Publication number: 20040045200
    Abstract: An improved outdoor illuminated display device. The device generally comprises a modular housing, a base member and a plurality of lights positioned in the housing—either horizontally or vertically. A plurality of display modules are positioned on the housing and backlit by the lights. A door member is pivotally connected along its upper edge to the housing covering the modules. A pair of gas-assisted spring members are provided between the door member and the housing. Air gaps or air vents are provided in order to allow air circulation in the housing. A second member above the door member is provided for holding and displaying posters and other advertising and promotional materials. A plurality of clamping members hold the display materials in place. The second member can be illuminated or non-illuminated. Various modular units can be provided to increase the size and display space provided by the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: David U. Hillstrom
  • Publication number: 20040045201
    Abstract: A multi-layered and quick change signage system is provided. A frame carries a transparent cover sheet and behind the transparent cover sheet the frame carries a plurality of opaque sheets, each of which contains a different graphic image. The transparent cover sheet also carries alphanumeric information such as a person's name and title. The user of the sign may quickly change the material displayed on the sign by simply changing the opaque sheet which is mounted immediately behind the transparent cover sheet. A non-glare plastic lens is carried on top of the transparent cover sheet. The signage system is particularly useful in conjunction with office cubicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: David Robert Kalb, Frank Xavier Doyle
  • Publication number: 20040045202
    Abstract: Package labeling for a nutritionally-enhanced composite food product for providing a predictable nutrient amount, including at least one serving element, a serving element composed of a first carrier meat and a second nutritionally enhanced foodstuff distinct from the first carrier meat; the first carrier meat having at least one predetermined dimension providing a portion size for providing predictable nutrient levels of the composite food product; the nutritional claims made to the nutritionally enhanced foodstuff, including at least one nutritional enhancer, for inclusion on packaging and/or labeling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas A. Arrendale, Chester L. Crum
  • Publication number: 20040045203
    Abstract: A postal assembly and method of making the assembly. The assembly includes a personal image have a designated area which is modified so as to provide a desired visual affect with an official postal product such as a stamp that is to be place over said image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: David L. Patton, Frank Pincelli, H. Mark Delman, James R. Forger
  • Publication number: 20040045204
    Abstract: A holographic product labeling method includes defining a holographic image having content adapted to convey information relating to a product. In another aspect, the method includes providing a substrate encoded with a hologram adapted to render the holographic image. In yet another aspect, the method includes labeling the product with the substrate. Various implementations include use of true and/or multiplex holograms. Use of a transparent holographic substrate and an under label is further explored, as are uses of increased display capability provided to a given region of the holographic label according to the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Rosemary Miano, Marian N. Holerca
  • Publication number: 20040045205
    Abstract: A method of providing advertising is shown which utilizes an existing bottled water distribution system. A printed message may be applied directly to an exterior surface of selected bottles or a substrate bearing the advertising indicia may be affixed to an exterior surface of selected bottles being cycled within the distribution system. The bottles are delivered to a target group of end users. Periodically, the previously delivered bottles are collected for refilling. The previously applied substrate can then be removed and a new substrate can be applied containing the same or a new advertising message. The relabeled bottles are then again delivered to the target group of end users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: James Witham, Bradford Corbett
  • Publication number: 20040045206
    Abstract: A method of providing advertising is shown which utilizes a fixed water bottle and companion stand arrangement in a bottled water dispenser system. Advertising indicia is either applied directly to an exterior surface of the bottle or is applied to a substrate which is affixed to the bottle exterior surface. The water bottle, together with its companion stand, is then distributed by a sales force to a target group of end users which group is selected based upon specific market analysis criteria. The associated stand can also have an advertising message applied to an exterior surface thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: James Witham
  • Publication number: 20040045207
    Abstract: A TASER and a vertical grip are combined to be attached to the stud post under the forend or the barrel of a conventional long arm. A TASER may also be combined with the forend or barrel of a conventional long arm itself. Stud posts come standard on certain long arms like the M-16 rifle. Stud posts can be installed on single shot and pump action shotgun forends as well. The TASER power supply can serve as a power source for a strobe lamp, which may be sighted by rescuers either visually or with infrared night viewing or other special viewing equipment for miles. The optical signal could be produced in the infrared, visible light and ultraviolet light regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The signal lamp is inserted into a TASER's firing chamber in lieu of an ammunition cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: James F. McNulty
  • Publication number: 20040045208
    Abstract: A muzzleloading firearm with a barrel having a rearward end with a breech plug fastened to the rearward end of the barrel, a nipple that extends rearwardly from the breech plug, a receiver positioned rearward of the barrel and having an opening for receiving a firing element, and having an elongated bore extending through from a forward end to a rearward end, the rearward end receives the percussion element and the forward end receives the nipple such that a forward end of the percussion element is in alignment with the nipple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: EBSCO Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric T. Hengstenberg
  • Publication number: 20040045209
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a device, such as an illumination device or a collection device, to a weapon is provided. The apparatus comprises a mounting member configured to couple with the device and with the weapon in order to mount the device to the weapon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Douglas E. Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20040045210
    Abstract: A decoy rig is disclosed having a number of individual decoys deployed at intervals along the length of a shaft, and oriented around the diameter of a shaft. The decoys may be deployed at an angle relative to vertical. In operation, the individual decoys are caused to move by external forces, such as wind, water current or tide, or other forces, thus causing rotational movement by the individual decoys, effectively simulating the resting and feeding action of the decoy's live counterparts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Bradley Russell Wright
  • Publication number: 20040045211
    Abstract: A metal lip jig rig that has a metal lip with raised edges to help the metal lip jig rig sink and wobble when reeled in or let out in water. The metal lip jig rig can be used with a number of fishing lure accessories such as artificial and live bait, feathers, Chenalle wire, spinner wire and other common fishing lure accessories. The metal lip jig rig is designed to replace lead split shot sinkers and lead jigs and can be used with a spinning rod, a fly rode, a bait rod or a deep sea rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Willard C. Wacha
  • Publication number: 20040045212
    Abstract: A fishing rod case has a plurality of segments that can be removably connected together in an end-to-end manner to achieve a desired length. Each segment has a connector that enables end-to-end engagement between adjacent segments, and a tubular passageway in axial alignment with the tubular passageways of other segments to store a number of fishing rods. A plurality of elongated security bars can be removably attached in series to one another and to the segments. A fastener is used to secure the security bars to the segments and prevent disassembly of the segments while the fastener is in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Mark Russell Henault, Paul W.R. Hields
  • Publication number: 20040045213
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fishing gear recovery device and methods of use. The fishing gear recovery device of the present invention includes a recovery line housing, which is preferably produced from flexible tubular plastic stock. Attachments points are provided in the recovery line housing for the attachment of a recovery line, and biodegradable connectors. Additionally, the recovery device includes a buoyancy providing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Patrick Mahoney
  • Publication number: 20040045214
    Abstract: A technique is provided for keeping rodents and other pests out of warehouses and other buildings. A pest control device or guard is provided which is attached or fixed near the bottom surface of a garage door. The pest control device can adjust to uneven ground surfaces so that a fence or guard is provided to prevent pests, such as rats from entering buildings. The pest control device may be comprised of first, second, and third brackets which are connected together and can be mounted to a garage door. The brackets may be L-shaped. A plurality of pins is connected to the first, second, and third brackets so that each of the plurality of pins can move with respect to the first, second, and third brackets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Guy C. Renzi
  • Publication number: 20040045215
    Abstract: The invention discloses a combustible fuel including a compressed unit of crushed maize cob, such as corn cob or white or yellow maize cob, and a method of its manufacture. The corn cob has no additional non-biomass additives and results in a residue of less than 2% by mass after complete combustion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Michael John Guilfoyle
  • Publication number: 20040045216
    Abstract: A tree stand having a water reservoir and a plurality of tree support posts therein which are disposed inwardly of the side wall of the reservoir to position the posts close to the tree to minimize the stresses on the bolts which engage the tree for maintaining it in an upright position. The stand may be small enough for use on a table top and molded from a plastic resin, or it may have a reinforcing spike molded into the plastic resin for a stand used for larger trees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Ramon A. Fiveash
  • Publication number: 20040045217
    Abstract: This invention relates to novel formulations for cohesive soil plugs used in plant nurseries. More particularly, this invention pertains to novel compositions for forming soil plugs for use in plant propagation that resist disintegration when the soil plugs containing germinating seedlings are relocated from small growth containers to larger growth containers. An adhesive soil mixture comprising: (a) growing medium; and (b) a binder containing one or more of bentonite and cellulose alkyl ether.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Kelvin Spencer Chiddick, Laura Principe
  • Publication number: 20040045218
    Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for automatically watering plants. The system is connected directly to a city or municipal water supply. Water is fed from the supply source through small diameter polyethylene tubing to a control valve or multiple valves which regulate the amount of water supplied to each plant. What is new in this invention is that the apparatus is simple in its operation, and is simple and inexpensive to manufacture. This invention should have a very long life with little or no maintenance. The control valve is self cleaning and non-clogging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Maurice Alvin Muxlow
  • Publication number: 20040045219
    Abstract: A fire-resistant, aluminum, cementitious-material-free, insulation-free door adapted to prevent the spread of fire and heat passing therethrough, consists of: a door frame, a door hingedly mounted on the door frame, the door having a bottom wall, a top wall, and side walls, the bottom wall, top wall and side walls enclosing a hollow central core not containing substantial amounts of insulating material, the bottom wall having an outside surface, and the top wall having an outside surface; and a layer of intumescent material on the outside surface of the bottom wall. A heat-activated self-closing mechanism allows the weight of the door to close the door in the vent of fire, by releasing gas from a supporting gas spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Nystrom, Inc.
    Inventors: Jalil Tlemcani, Michael J. Carroll, Patrick K. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040045220
    Abstract: A louver braking mechanism for use in shutters, used to hold the louvers in place against the moment arm resulting from the weight of the tilt bar urging the louvers to close. The disclosed mechanisms provide a frictional resistance to the louver pivotal movement, which must be overcome by the user in order to reposition the louvers. In a preferred embodiment, the frictional resistance increases as the louver begins to pivot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Fraser, Richard N. Anderson