Patents Issued in April 6, 2004
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Patent number: 6715237Abstract: A flashing assembly used to construct a flashing around a building structure, such as a chimney. The assembly includes a pair of base flashing members including flexible end sections that can be deformed to adapt to the shape of a building structure around which the flashing is applied. Further, at least one of the base flashing members may also include a flexible center portion in order to allow the base flashing member to conform to a sloped surface or saddle positioned against one end of the building structure. The assembly further includes a number of conventional tin shingles that can be positioned between the base flashing members, and a number of counter flashing members that are positioned over the base flashing members and tin shingles to waterproof the flashing assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Dennis J. Batt, Sr.
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Patent number: 6715238Abstract: A safety device for the building field, for individually protecting against falls workers assigned to walking at high elevations in buildings under construction. The device comprises at least one pole, a detachable connection for the pole base with the surface of a building, the pole having at its top end, an engagement for a cable element forming a safety parapet, at least one leg connected laterally to rest, with its lower end, on the surface of the building, laterally to the region engaged by the base of the pole, to form, for the pole, an auxiliary resting element for pushing against the surface of the building.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventors: Sergio Zambelli, Benito Zambelli
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Patent number: 6715239Abstract: Appropriate fitting-out structures for moist rooms for which retaining sections (9) are used featuring a sloping flap (11) at the point where it is overlapping the flooring (1). The sections (9) are directly glued with structural bonding agent onto the structure below (7). The flooring (1) is then laid and consists of a floor foundation (4), a decorative finishing coat (5), a transparent resin topping (6) with anti-slip characteristics and an anti-scratch and anti-wear blanket. The retaining section (9) has a lower horizontal edge (10) which is glued onto the structure below (7) and continues with a 45° sloping flap (11) having the same height as the flooring (1) and after a horizontal length (12) where it meets the corner (13), the section is rounded off and follows a vertical path (14) terminating at the top with a sloping edge (15) while it has a horizontal rim (16) at the rear.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignees: Precetti S.p.A., Impresa Marinoni S.r.l.Inventors: Paolo Passalacqua, Romeo Ronco
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Patent number: 6715240Abstract: Building panels are provided, for applying panels, such as siding, roofing or the like to studs, to roofing rafters, or the like, wherein indicia is provided along a panel, giving spaced-apart markings, for guiding one who is applying panels to a building surface, to the location of a next support capable of supporting the panel when a fastener is applied thereto, a fixed or pre-set distance from a support such as stud, roofing rafter or the like. Thus, when adjacent studs, rafters, or the like, are spaced apart a known distance, the indicia will serve to guide the installer to a location where a fastener will engage a support to which the panel is to be applied, even if the visual location of the underlying support is visually obscured, such as by means of a sheet building material between the structural support and the panel. The indicia may take on various forms.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2003Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: CertainTeed CorporationInventors: David H. Beck, Robert W. Werner, Barbara E. Dennis
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Patent number: 6715241Abstract: Building component assemblies include a sound-deadening board having defined compressional stiffness positioned between a framing member and an assembly board.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Johns Manville International, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence J. Gelin, Brandon D. Tinianov, Steve Dawson, Mauro Vittorio Battaglioli, Ralph Michael Fay, Francis Babineau
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Patent number: 6715242Abstract: A stairway and rail system. The stairway system includes a plurality of spaced apart treads; at least one baluster per tread; a two-piece handrail assembly; and a lateral support for supporting the handrail. In the preferred embodiment, the handrail assembly includes: a top segment; a bottom segment; a mating surface on one of the top segment and the bottom segment for aligning the top segment with the bottom segment; and a fastener groove between the top segment and the bottom segment for permitting the accommodation of fasteners used to attach the handrail to each baluster.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: ECMD, Inc.Inventors: Robert H. Green, J. Allen Dyer
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Patent number: 6715243Abstract: To produce a silo or tank, plates provided with joining flanges are made, both plates and flanges being produced from aluminium alloy. The plates are joined to one another in order to form rings, and said rings are joined to one another in order to form a silo or tank. In order to make the said joins between the shaped plates and between the rings watertight, according to the present invention sealing mastic is applied in a channel formed by two adjoining recesses, each made in the outward-facing free end of one of two flanges engaging on one another.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Jansens & Dieperink B.V.Inventor: Bas Fons
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Patent number: 6715244Abstract: A multi-sheet glazing unit includes a closed spacer frame, the spacer frame has one side having a pair of legs joined to a base to provide the spacer frame with a U-shaped cross-section. An inner sheet has an edge mounted in an edge receiving member mounted between the legs of the U-shaped side of the spacer frame. The remaining edges of the inner sheet are within the interior of the closed spacer frame and spaced from the spacer frame. The inner sheet is held within the spacer frame by sheet retaining members mounted to the spacer frame. A sheet e.g. glass sheet is secured by a moisture-impervious adhesive to outer surface of each of the legs of the spacer frame. One type of sheet retaining members has a horizontal member and a vertical member, and a locking member. The locking member is mounted on the horizontal member spaced from the vertical member to form a groove to hold the inner sheet within the closed interior of the spacer frame.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.Inventors: Bradley P. Boone, Stephen L. Crandell, Jack B. McCandless, David E. Singleton, Albert E. Thompson, Jr.
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Patent number: 6715245Abstract: An impact resistant laminated glass and plastic pane is provided for a hurricane resistant door light or similar opening. A glass pane is attached to a flexible plastic sheet that protrudes beyond the peripheral edge of the glass, preferably as an extension of the plastic laminate between outer glass laminate sheets. The pane body is mounted in a building structural part such as a door or wall, at an opening or at a recess, whereby the surface of the structural part extends up to a point adjacent to the pane. The flexible sheet that is attached to the pane, laps over the surface adjacent to the edge of the structural part around the pane. An elongated molding element that preferably frames the opening, is attached to the structural part so as to capture the flexible sheet between the molding element and the surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Signature Door Co., Inc.Inventor: Bernd Lewkowitz
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Patent number: 6715246Abstract: A ceiling tile transmitter and receiver system having at least one transmitter/receiver device located in a ceiling panel either during or after the ceiling panel fabrication process. In one embodiment one or more pockets of variable size and shape are created on a surface of the ceiling panel during or after the ceiling panel manufacturing process and then a transmitter/receiver device, such as an RF antenna, is inserted in the pocket. In another embodiment, the transmitter/receiver device is embedded in the front side (lower surface) of the ceiling tile and a “scrim” covering is placed over it to secure it in place. The transmitter/receiver device can also be embedded inside the ceiling tile or on an upper, lower or side surface of the ceiling tile. Various combinations of these embodiments can be used with a single ceiling tile.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2000Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.Inventors: Sandor A. Frecska, John E. Cronin
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Patent number: 6715247Abstract: A support module for interconnecting to like support modules serves to support a number of core elements for encapsulation within a concrete structure. The module has a planar frame defining a first cutout and a second cutout. Each cutout has an arc shape, such that the cutouts from different modules define a circular aperture for closely receiving one of the core elements. The frame has extending portions with connection elements that connect with other support modules to securely receive the core elements. The extending portions are located about the periphery of the frame so that they are able to connect to other support modules in four orthogonal directions.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Bowco Industries Inc.Inventors: Jeff Sanftleben, Douglas E. Bowen
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Patent number: 6715248Abstract: A method of and apparatus for curtain wall assembly utilizing a sill subassembly which is adapted for direct structural interconnection with oppositely disposed portions of vertical mullions. The oppositely disposed mullions and underlying sill subassembly are configured for direct mounting upon a pre-installed flashing secured to a structural mounting surface of a building. In this manner, threaded fasteners may be utilized to directly interconnect the vertical mullion to the sill subassembly and the mounting of panels, such as glass, to the sill subassembly is facilitated.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Butler Manufacturing, CompanyInventor: Lawrence F. Biebuyck
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Patent number: 6715249Abstract: A structurally enhanced, insulating sheathing (10) and method of sheathing a frame of the type used in constructing a building are disclosed. In one embodiment, the sheathing includes an insulating layer of material (14) attached to a structural layer of material (12) formed of a plurality of fibers (12al-12an), preferably biased in first and second directions (D1, D2) relative to a common axis, such as the longest centerline of the sheathing. The fibers form a grid (12c) having a plurality of openings (12d) that are capable of receiving an adhesive (A3) for attaching the sheathing to a stable mounting structure, such as a frame. Preferably, the adhesive is capable of penetrating at least partially into the openings to ensure that a secure, lasting bond is formed. In a second embodiment the sheathing includes a multilayer polymer film with a low melting point adhesive thereon.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.Inventors: Stanley J. Rusek, Ravi K. Devalapura
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Patent number: 6715250Abstract: A plastic panel for attachment to an exterior wall of a building includes a body, an attachment hem attached to the body and defining at least one aperture for a fastener, and a side flange extending laterally outwardly of the body. The side flange defines a fastening slot for attaching the panel to a building wall. The fastening slot extends at a predetermined acute angle relative to horizontal, preferably about 10-20° relative to horizontal, and about 15° in a particularly preferred embodiment. The fastening slot is preferably elongated and narrow so that the head of a metal fastener extends over opposed upper and lower edges of the slot.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Alcoa Inc.Inventors: David A. Bryant, Daniel J. Ernst, George A. Griman
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Patent number: 6715251Abstract: A decorative simulated thatch unit includes a clamp, flexible decorative cords, and a press strip. The clamp includes a top wall, two side walls confronting each other, and spaced teeth provided longitudinally along at least one of the side walls and distally from the top wall, and extending toward the other one of the side walls. The top wall cooperates with the side walls to define a receiving space. The decorative cords have U bent portions received in the receiving space and clamped by the side walls, and two end portions extending out of the clamp from the U bent portions through gaps among the teeth. The press strip is received in and is straddled by the U bent portions. The press strip presses the U bent portions against the top wall, and is retained in the receiving space by the teeth.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Han-Lung Yang
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Patent number: 6715252Abstract: A laminated shingle is provided, having lighter and darker granule portions visible from the front, at different planes; the front-most or anterior plane generally having granules of lighter shading and the more rearward or posterior plane generally having darker granules. The darker granules in the more posterior plane are visible from the front of the shingle to provide visually sharp, precise delineation between zones of lighter and darker shading. The shingles may be of multi-layer construction with suitable adhesives securing the layers together. The darker granules may be visible from beneath the lower edge(s) of the anterior shingle, to provide a shadow line effect. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the darker shingle zones from the more posterior plane may be visible through tab-separating slots of the lighter shaded anterior shingle portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: CertainTeed CorporationInventors: Kermit E. Stahl, Michael J. Noone, George W. Mehrer
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Patent number: 6715253Abstract: This relates to a locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards (1, 1′), a floorboard having such a locking system and a flooring made of such floorboards. The locking system has mechanical cooperating structure (36, 38; 6, 8, 14) for vertical and horizontal joining of adjoining floorboards. The means for horizontal joining about a vertical plane (F) comprise a locking groove (14) and a locking strip (16) which is located at opposite joint edge portions (4a, 4b) of the floorboard (4). The locking strip (6) projects from the joint plane (F) and has an upwards projecting locking element (8) at its free end. The locking groove (14) is formed in the opposite joint edge portion (4a) of the floorboard at a distance from the joint plane (F). The locking groove (14) and the locking element (8) have operative locking surfaces (10, 11).Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Valinge Aluminium ABInventor: Darko Pervan
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Patent number: 6715254Abstract: A roof jack system that provides a safety barrier that is conveniently installed upon and removed from a pitched roof. The roof jack system includes a guard assembly that is releasably attachable to an auxiliary support assembly of a first embodiment of the present invention that is secured to an existing roof jack. Alternatively, the guard assembly is releasably attachable directly to a roof jack according to a second embodiment of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Gordon Regular
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Patent number: 6715255Abstract: A foldable truss member suitable for commercial displays includes a plurality of side members that are adjacently hinged together. The side members include support members and bridging members having extensions. The side members are joined into a foldable structure with a hinge member between the support member and extensions of adjacent side members. The truss includes a locking frame that is removably attached to ends of the side members. A display structure can be formed by connecting a locking frame between two truss members.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Interlock Structures International, Inc.Inventors: Ralph L. Schipani, Richard K. Strayer, Mark Brauer, Walter Croll, Paul Miklautsch, Patrick M. Hamilton, Charles Austen Angell, Jennifer Dianne Astwood, Shaohui Qiu, Lee Powers, Kyle Gudmunson, Brian Clemens, Brett R. Johnson, Charles Graves
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Patent number: 6715256Abstract: A sliding hold-down clip (1) for connecting a roof panel (52) to a purlin (52) in which a support portion (14) extends from a base (12), the support portion defining a slot (20) with fasteners (34) that connect to a roof-engaging plate (36), the fasteners guiding longitudinal movement of the roof-engaging plate (36) along the slot relative to the clip, a distal end of the plate defining a hook (40) for connecting to edges of adjacent roof panels (52), a pair of opposing wings (46, 48) extending laterally from the roof-engaging plate (36) and angled to conform to an anglation of a side portion of the roof panel, whereby fasteners (58) extending though the roof panel and the wings secure the roof panel to the roof-engaging plate. A method of securing roof panels to purlins is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Magnatrax CorporationInventor: Keith Fischer
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Patent number: 6715257Abstract: An improved construction member or joist is disclosed that includes upper and lower chords connected by various members including first and second trimmable webs at either end thereof, which webs include end portions received in grooves in the upper and lower chords. Significantly, the profile of the end portions of the webs includes at least one notch or ridge that fits within a corresponding notch or ridge in the chord to provide a more secure attachment, even under unusual loading conditions. Supplemental webs are also provided that can be attached to the member at various locations to provide an additional degree of support only where needed.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Kent TrussesInventors: Michael L. Kent, Andrew G. Forsayeth
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Patent number: 6715258Abstract: An assembly to secure a shear assembly and attached building wall to a building foundation in order to resist uplift forces and to transfer vertical weight loads to the foundation. The assembly provides a degree of motion perpendicular to the plane of the wall in order to accommodate misplacement of anchor structures set in the building foundation. The assembly is configured and is attached to anchor structures in such a way as to accommodate a variety of protrusions of the anchor structures from the building foundation. The assembly provides additional convenience of use by being substantially pre-assembled. The assembly is also adapted to interconnect structural members in multi-story buildings.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2003Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Lee W. Mueller
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Patent number: 6715259Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a precisely controlled amount of dry material to a container. In one embodiment, a system is provided for automated container filling. The system includes a container handling mechanism that includes a container block defining a container receptacle, and a cap carrier defining a cap receptacle. The system also includes a dosing portion having a dosing plate defining a dosing hole. The dosing plate is movable between two positions so that when the dosing plate is in the first position the dosing hole is positioned to receive a dose of powder. When the dosing plate is in the second position, the dosing hole is positioned to dispense the dose of powder into the container receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Advanced Inhalation Research, Inc.Inventors: Lloyd P. Johnston, Kevin Stapleton, Ernest Penachio, Mark Wolff
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Patent number: 6715260Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing, loading and singularly dispensing bags in a bag bundle from a dispensing hook includes a bag bundle formed from a plurality of stacked bags. Each bag has apertures are defined in the front panel and the rear panel adjacent the open top, these apertures having an opening of a selected dimension normal to the vertical side walls with an upper edge. A dispensing hook is used having parallel sides separated by a width complimentary to the selected dimension of the apertures to provide a secure, snug fit when the bag bundle is placed on the dispensing hook at the registered apertures. The dispensing hook defining a bag holding surface complimentary to the upper edge of the apertures.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Bob DeMatteis Co.Inventor: Robert B. DeMatteis
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Patent number: 6715261Abstract: A method for packaging a plant using a flexible sleeve having a cloth-like appearance.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2003Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.Inventor: Donald E. Weder
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Patent number: 6715262Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming reclosable packages at a form, fill and seal (FFS) apparatus by advancing a film of package making material longitudinally to form a tube while guiding opposite longitudinal edges of the film into a fin. A zipper having interlocking members and an attached flange is fed into the fin by capturing external surfaces of the interlocking members within a first guide member positioned adjacent to said fin and feeding the flanges along opposite sides of a second guide member positioned within said fin. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Art Malin, Stanley Piotrowski, Michael McMahon
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Patent number: 6715263Abstract: A method, packaging system and packaging element for packaging a sterilizable item for aseptic presentation onto a sterile field wherein the vertical orientation of the sterilizable item does not need to be reversed during packaging, sterilization, unpackaging or presentation and instructions for handling are printed on the packaging element so that they are exposed when the packaging element is folded according to the packaging system and method.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2003Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Percival C. Banks
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Patent number: 6715264Abstract: A method and apparatus described to stabilize and secure individual component items in an array during gas flushing and packaging, without obstructing or preventing the free flow of the gas-flush throughout the component. In accordance with the present invention, when the array has been composed, it is over-wrapped with a loop of thin, inexpensive, gas-permeable film applied under pressure or shrunk around the array, leaving two opposite faces of the array free of the over-wrapping loop.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: M-Tek, Inc.Inventors: Thomas W. Liakopoulos, Richard N. Maskell
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Patent number: 6715265Abstract: A method for defining the operation of a plant for producing, conveying and packaging articles. The articles include rolls, such as rolls of paper material and the like. The plant includes the following operative sections: at least an apparatus for forming articles positioned upstream, at least a machine for packaging the articles in respective packs positioned downstream, and an apparatus for conveying the articles which is able to transfer the articles between the forming apparatus and the packaging apparatus. The method and the plant provide that, through a central control unit of the plant, starting from predefined setting data, operating parameters of the sections of the plant are determined.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Pulsar S.R.L.Inventor: Massimo Franzaroli
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Patent number: 6715266Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to enable the removal of tablet and capsule medication from bottles. The apparatus includes a bottle opener assembly that enables the removal of the medication from the base of the bottle. Removal of the medication from the base of the bottle bypasses the need for removal of the bottle cap, tamper-resistant seals, and any filler material. The present invention further includes an automated unpack/repack system for packing the medication in bulk and individual containers.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Altman Browning and CompanyInventor: David M. Browning
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Patent number: 6715267Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for packing an order of parts. An operator is prompted to select an indicated part. The part is read by the system to verify the selection of the part. An array of indicators directs the operator to where the part should be placed in a shipping tote. An array of sensors confirms the packing of the part.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Schneider Automation Inc.Inventors: James V. Schaefer, Robert J. Bell
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Patent number: 6715268Abstract: A card package production system (100) for producing card packages (115) composed of printed paper carriers (113) with matching cards (128) attached to the carriers (113) selectively outputs the card packages through a card package multi-directional distribution module (136) having a carrier transport with a primary carrier transport path extending between a package inlet (262) and a primary package outlet (144) for transporting the card packages along the primary carrier transport path. A movable stacker gate assembly (214, FIG. 7) mounted for movement between a stacking position (FIG. 26). In the stacker position, the card packages are inserted laterally through a laterally facing inlet (145) of a stacker (146) in two stages with successive pairs of card packages (115, 115′) being kept in an interleaved state.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Dynetics Engineering Corporation, Inc.Inventors: Jeffery L. Hill, Gregory S. Hill, Fred J. Kassabian
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Patent number: 6715269Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine includes an operator station. The operator station provides an operator console. An adjustable mount provides a swivel and tilt adjustment for an electronic display panel connected to the console. Adjustment is provided by an elongated member with a first end pivotably connected to the operator console. The elongated member is pivotable about a first axis. An ICDU is pivotably attached to the elongated member and is pivotable about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Sajid Nanlawala, Diane E. Svanson, Thomas L. Howard
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Patent number: 6715270Abstract: Apparatus similar to a Weed-Eater® weed trimmer, but instead of monofilament line, it uses recycled coat hangers to cut weeds. There are two plates, the lower one having grooves within which to fit the coat-hangers after they are prepared using a special tool to bend them to the proper shape. Aside from the cutting part, the rest of the machine can be like a Weed-Eater® brand weed trimmer. The two plates are held together with a retaining nut. Hardwire, wire cable, nails, or heavy duty plastic cord can also be used as blades.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1998Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: S. Elwood Yandle, II
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Patent number: 6715271Abstract: A mower conditioner includes upper and lower conditioner rolls with the upper roll extending between, and being rotatably mounted to, a pair of vertically swingable arms. A linkage arrangement is coupled between the frame supporting the arms and the arms, with one part of the linkage being associated with a stop for limiting the range of movement of the upper roll toward the lower roll, and with another part of the linkage being coupled to a spring arrangement for biasing the upper roll toward the lower roll. The stop is configured as a pair of wedge-shaped members having respective inclined surfaces engaged with each other and held in an adjusted position by a nut and bolt arrangement, the range of movement of the upper roll toward the lower roll changing in response to tightening or loosening the nut on the bolt.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Michael James Mellin
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Patent number: 6715272Abstract: An assembly for holding a self-powered hedge cutter at a selected height and orientation so that a hedgerow can be more readily and consistently trimmed. The assembly includes a wheeled base that is filled with a weighted material. A vertical support extends upwardly from the base. A support bracket is provided that is free to move up and down along the length of the vertical support. A push handle also extends from the base. The push handle enables a person to readily push the wheeled base to a desired location. Controls are attached to the push handle. One control adjusts the height of the support bracket on the vertical support. The other control is a throttle control that can be selectively attached to the hedge cutter. A self-powered commercial hedge cutter is temporarily mounted to the support bracket. The hedge cutter can be mounted to the support bracket in a plurality of orientations. The hedge cutter can then be rolled along a hedgerow to trim that hedgerow.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Ira Stahl
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Patent number: 6715273Abstract: A deflector of a stalk divider for a harvesting assembly can be pivoted about a pivot axis defined by a joint between an operating position and a transport position. The deflector can be held in the operating position and in the transport position. The joint is provided with a first locking element for holding the divider in the operating position. The joint is provided with a second locking element for holding the divider in the transport position. The first locking element is spaced at a greater distance from the pivot axis than the second locking element.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Dirk Weichholdt
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Patent number: 6715274Abstract: A towable windrow merger including a pickup head for raising the crop material form the ground surface and a transverse conveyor assembly for laterally displacing the crop material. The transverse conveyor assembly includes an accelerator roller system, supported by the frame and at the outboard discharge end of the transverse conveyor assembly. The accelerator roller has a movable element for receiving and propelling the windrow material beyond the discharge end of said transverse conveyor and imparting a vertical as well as a horizontal velocity to the windrow material to fluff it.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: H&S Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Kenneth J. Peeters, Gregory L. Landon
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Patent number: 6715275Abstract: A twin rake tooth includes a shank and working arc within each tooth which cooperate with ordinary rake wheels having rims. The shank within each tooth may have a slight camber which serves to stiffen the tooth against normal operational forces, but which allows the tooth to flex significantly when overloaded, through a lost-motion activation that occurs in cooperation with the rake wheel rim. In addition, the tooth has a generally smooth transition from one region of the tooth to the next, with no sharp bends, thereby substantially reducing any concentration of stress within the tooth.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Gregory C. Kuehn
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Patent number: 6715276Abstract: A false twist yam including synthetic fiber yam having elongation, crimp rigidity, crimp appearance stretch ratio, dry heat shrinkage stress maximum value, deformation degree of single filament and entanglement number in specific ranges respectively. The yam has good drape properties, soft feeling, bulkiness, and flexibility as well as puff properties, mild luster, and pliable dry feeling. From the yam, woven or knit fabrics having novel texture that cannot be achieved in woven or knit fabrics produced from conventional drawn or false twist yams. The false twist yam is produced in a drawing and false twisting process.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.Inventors: Hiroshi Matsuoka, Sadao Matsuki, Tatsuaki Matsuda, Kouichi Satou, Genshin Nakazawa
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Patent number: 6715277Abstract: Fuel control systems for use with a gas turbine engines which accounts for real-time thermodynamic engine effects when attempting to match or track the NDOTActual rate to the NDOTDemand rate. The fuel control system includes a mechanism for measuring several engine operating parameters and a mechanism for determining an initial engine fuel demand based on the measured engine operating parameters. The control system further includes a mechanism for estimating, during engine operation and based on the measured operating parameters, the amount of heat transferred between fuel combustion gases and the engine metal and estimating an effective fuel flow adjustment based therefrom. The control system disclosed herein also includes a mechanism for determining a final engine fuel demand based on the initial predicted engine fuel demand and the estimated effective fuel flow adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Goodrich Pump & Engine Control Systems, Inc.Inventors: Raymond D. Zagranski, John Mannarino, Cristina Crainic
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Patent number: 6715278Abstract: A fuel metering device (101) and method for metering fuel to an engine (129) provides bumpless transfer to a backup mode. A common cavity (125) provides pressure relief, fuel metering and bypass of fuel flow. A metering valve (120) for scheduling fuel flow to the engine (129) and the metering valve (120) is controlled in either a primary mode or a backup mode. A pressure relief valve (123) limits the maximum pump discharge pressure of a fuel pump. A bypass valve (122) maintains a constant pressure across the metering valve (120) by redirecting non-metered fuel flow back to a pump stage inlet. An electrical clutch (131) determines whether the metering valve (120) function is accomplished by said primary mode or said backup mode. Bumpless transfer to a backup is accomplished automatically.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Dennis G. Demers
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Patent number: 6715279Abstract: An igniter tube for a gas turbine engine combustor has an inner surface, an outer surface, and a longitudinal axis therethrough. More specifically, the igniter tube includes: a first portion positioned within a port of a liner for the combustor, the first portion having an inner surface with an inner diameter and an outer surface with an outer diameter; a second portion located adjacent the first portion, the second portion having an inner surface with an inner diameter and an outer surface with an outer diameter, wherein the second portion outer diameter increases from the first portion outer diameter at a first end to a predetermined outer diameter at a second end; and, a third portion located adjacent the second portion, the third portion having an inner surface with an inner diameter and an outer surface with an outer diameter, wherein the third portion outer diameter is substantially the same as the predetermined outer diameter.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Tracy Lowell White
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Patent number: 6715280Abstract: A method for rapidly heating an emission control device in an engine exhaust uses excess air added to the exhaust via an air introduction device. After an engine cold start, the engine is operated to raise exhaust manifold temperature to a first predetermined value by operating the engine with a lean air-fuel ratio and retarded ignition timing. Once the exhaust manifold reaches the predetermined temperature value, the engine is switched to operate rich and air is added via the air introduction device. The added air and rich exhaust gas burn in the exhaust, thereby generating heat and raising catalyst temperature even more rapidly. The rich operation and excess air are continued until either engine airflow increases beyond a pre-selected value, or the emission control device reaches a desired temperature value. After the emission control device reaches the desired temperature, the engine is operated substantially around stoichiometry.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Donald James Lewis, James Michael Kerns, Matthew John Gerhart, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
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Patent number: 6715281Abstract: A method and system for controlling exhaust emissions from an engine of a motor vehicle includes sensing oxygen levels upstream and downstream of a catalytic converter, predicting an instantaneous oxygen storage amount in the catalytic converter, determining a maximum oxygen storage capacity, selecting a target percentage of the maximum oxygen storage amount, and controlling the motor vehicle engine performance to a state where the oxygen storage amount is approximately the target percentage of the maximum oxygen storage amount. The instantaneous oxygen storage amount is determined from an oxygen storage mass flow rate, which is determined from a converter-in mass flow rate, converter-out mass flow rate, and a predicted oxygen consumption mass flow rate. The converter-in and converter-out mass flow rates are calculated from an upstream and downstream oxygen mass fraction, respectively, based on the sensed upstream and downstream oxygen levels, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventor: Dannie Zhu
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Patent number: 6715282Abstract: A valve and a device for actuating the rotation of a stand (4) of a motorcycle (2) comprising an hydraulic actuator (1) operating an actuating member (7) between a first and a second position bringing the stand (4) from a rest position (A) to a supporting position (B). A flow control hydraulic circuit (12-25) is provided allowing the return stroke of the actuating member (7) to the first position leaving the stand in the supporting position (B), whereby the stand can be brought to the rest position (A) independently from the actuating member (7). The device has the advantages that in case of lack of pressure in the hydraulic circuit the movement towards the rest position in which it remains is free as if the device does not exist. Moreover, it can be operated by a single drive and its encumbrance is minimal. Its installation on the vehicle, moreover, is not complex, and it does not have the drawback of the existing electromechanical systems.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2000Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Marco Doveri
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Patent number: 6715283Abstract: An axle driving system which houses in a housing thereof a hydrostatic transmission, axles, and a driving gear train for connecting output means of the hydraulic transmission and axles, so as to transmit power from a driving source to the hydrostatic transmission and to change the speed, thereby driving the axles. A first chamber therein contains the hydrostatic transmission and a second chamber therein contains the driving gear train. Both the first and second chambers are independent of each other so as to prevent a foreign object, such as iron powder produced in the driving gear train, from entering the hydrostatic transmission. The system includes an L-like-shaped center section on which the hydrostatic transmission is offset such that an imaginary plane which includes a motor mounting surface passes in proximity to the axis of a pump shaft. The pump shaft is disposed perpendicular to the axles. The motor shaft is disposed in parallel thereto.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignees: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd., Tuff Torq CorporationInventors: Robert Abend, Hideaki Okada, Ryota Ohashi
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Patent number: 6715284Abstract: A speed adjusting mechanism for use in connection with a hydrostatic transaxle comprising a casing in which is mounted a rotating hydraulic pump in fluid communication with a rotating hydraulic motor, a moveable swash plate cooperable with the rotating pump for controlling the speed and direction of rotation of the hydraulic motor, and a trunnion arm linked to the moveable swash plate for adjusting the orientation of the swash plate. The speed adjusting mechanism includes a return arm adapted to be mounted to the casing in a fixed position indicative of a neutral position of the trunnion arm. A control arm is mounted to the trunnion arm and a pair of scissor return arms are provided which cooperate with the return arm to move the control arm to the neutral position.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited PartnershipInventors: Herb Poplawski, Michael W. Taylor, Ryan S. Buescher
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Patent number: 6715285Abstract: A Stirling engine includes a heat exchanger having helical and axial fins forming an orthogonal grillage on either side of a pressure resisting wall, and an outer reinforcing sleeve about the helical fins. The sleeve improves the pressure resisting ability of a thin separating wall between a pressurized fluid and an outside working environment, resulting in a high-pressure and temperature heat exchanger with high heat transfer efficiency. In addition, the sleeve and helical fins together define fluid passages for the flow of heating fluid. The heat exchanger according to the invention has the ability to resist high pressures at high temperatures without excessive distortion, has improved heat transfer capability, better reliability, and lower production cost than prior art heat exchangers.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Mandi CompanyInventor: Donald Isaac, Jr.
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Patent number: 6715286Abstract: A radiation apparatus is disclosed. The radiation apparatus completely adheres to a central processing unit for absorbing thermal energy generated by the central processing unit. When disassociating the radiation apparatus from the central processing unit, the radiation apparatus presses the central processing unit by a disassociating flake. Thus the radiation apparatus moves for disassociating from the central processing unit, to achieve the purpose of completely disassociating the radiation apparatus from the central processing unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Inventec CorporationInventor: Frank Wang