Patents Issued in April 6, 2004
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Patent number: PP14681Abstract: A new cultivar of Salvia plant named ‘RFD-S019’ that is distinguished by its rich, clear true pink color and white throat markings. In combination these traits set ‘RFD-S019’ apart from all other existing varieties of Salvia known to the inventor.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Richard Frederick Dufresne
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Patent number: PP14682Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of blackberry plant named ‘Driscoll Sonoma’. The new cultivar is distinguished from other blackberry cultivars by its fruit of excellent fruit flavor and shipping quality. ‘Driscoll Sonoma’ is a thornless mid-late season cultivar. The new cultivar is distinguished from its seed parent by its larger fruit and greater plant vigor. The new cultivar is distinguished from its pollen parent by its larger, better flavored fruit.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Driscoll Strawberry Associates, Inc.Inventor: Carlos D. Fear
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Patent number: PP14683Abstract: A new and distinct Gaura plant named ‘Baltinblus’, characterized by its blush pink flowers, upright slightly spreading growth habit, and dark green foliage.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Ball Horticultural CompanyInventor: Lynne Knosher
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Patent number: PP14684Abstract: A new and distinct Lantana plant named ‘Balucyell’, characterized by its yellow flowers, upright growth habit, and dark green foliage.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Ball FloraPlant, a division of Ball Horticultural Co.Inventor: Scott C. Trees
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Patent number: RE38485Abstract: A drape is shown for use by an anesthesia provided during a surgical procedure to temporarily hold accessories such as a suction instrument. The drape is adapted to be received on a patient support structure such as a hospital operating room table. The drape includes a main sheet of flexible, drapable material including a head region received beneath a patient's head having a pocket fold which defines an accessory receiving pocket. An envelope region is formed beneath the head region by folding a portion of the main sheet back upon itself. The envelope region defines a second accessory receiving pocket for the drape and further anchors the drape to the table during use. Subdivisions of the pocket folds provide smaller receptacles. Also provided are devices to adhere instruments in place and to secure the drape to its support. Additionally, methods of manufacture and use are included.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1996Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Lyndon J. Busch
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Patent number: RE38486Abstract: An electric motor control circuit that prevents lowering of a motor's rotation speed when a load is applied in the case where a rotation speed is adjusted within a range that doesn't exceed a predetermined upper limit of rotation speed. When a base current of a transistor Q1 starts to flow in response to operation of a trigger switch 3, transistor Q1 turns on and a setting signal output from a switch S2 which sets the upper limit rotation of a motor M is bypassed via a bypass way 22 by transistor Q1. Thus, a signal level of the setting signal inputted to an operational amplifier 7 is changed, and output timing of a pulse signal output from a phase control circuit 5 to a gate pulse output circuit 9 is changed and a conducting angle of a triac Q2 is controlled. Because the trigger switch 3 does not adjust an output level of operational amplifier 7, the rotation speed of motor M does not decrease when the load is applied.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Makita CorporationInventor: Ichio Sakabe
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Patent number: RE38487Abstract: A DC to DC buck pulse width modulator converter circuit includes an input, a high side output and a low side output. A high side switch is electrically connected between a common output node and a voltage supply, and controls a flow of current therethrough dependent upon the high side output. A low side switch is electrically connected between the common output node and ground, and controls a flow of current therethrough dependent upon the low side output. A virtual ground amplifier includes a second input electrically connected to ground. A current feedback resistor is electrically connected intermediate the common output node and a first input of the virtual ground amplifier. A variable impedance component is electrically connected to an output of the virtual ground amplifier and to the first input of the virtual ground amplifier. The impedance of the variable impedance component is varied dependent upon the output of the virtual ground amplifier.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Intersil Communications, Inc.Inventors: Robert H. Isham, Charles E. Hawkes, Michael M. Walters
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Patent number: RE38488Abstract: An optical system for a rear projection picture display has reduced size while maintaining screen size. Two plane mirrors are provided along a light path between a picture display unit and a screen. The first plane mirror at a projection lens side is made of a reflecting polarizer and is located along a light path between the second plane mirror and the screen. The two plane mirrors are set in a relative angle so that the incident angle of the light traveling from the projection lens to the first plane mirror is large as compared with the incident angle of the light traveling from the second plane mirror to the first plane mirror. A polarizing plate is attached at the rear side of the screen.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shigekazu Yamagishi
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Patent number: RE38489Abstract: The invention relates to a microlaser cavity (10) having: a solid active medium (2) emitting at least in a wavelength range between 1.5 and 1.6 &mgr;m, and a saturable absorber (4) of formula CaF2:Co2+ or MgF2:Co2+ or SrF2:Co2+ or BaF2:Co2+ or La0.9Mg0.5-xCoxAl11.433O19 or YalO3:Co2+ (or YAl5-2xCoxSixO3 YAl(1-2x)CoxSixO3) or Y3Al5-x-yGaxScyO12:Co2+ (or -3Al5-x-y2zGaxScyCozSizO12 Y3Al5-x-y-2zGaxScyCozSizO12) or Y3-xLuxAl5O12:Co2+ (or Y3-xLuxAl5-2yCoySiyO3) or Sr1-xMgxLayAl12-yO12:Co2+ (or Sr1-xMgx-yCoyLazAl12-zO12, with 0<y<x) Sr1-xLaxMgxAl12-xO19:Co2+ (or Sr1-xLaxMgx-yCoyAl12-xO19 , with 0<y<x).Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie AtomiqueInventors: Philippe Thony, Engin Molva, Bernard Ferrand, Corinne Borel
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Patent number: RE38490Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the identification of metastatic sequences. Cells from a cell line or an animal tissue are treated to form a cell line predisposed to metastasis. Treated cells are implanted in an animal of at a primary site and incubated for a period of time sufficient for the cells to proliferate and develop metastases at secondary sites. Expressed sequences from cells at the primary and secondary sites are amplified by differential display polymerase chain reaction and compared. Differentially expressed sequences are identical identified and can be cloned and sequenced. These sequences can be used as probes in the diagnosis of metastatic disorders, as probes to isolate metastatic sequences and as a therapeutic agent.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Baylor College of MedicineInventor: Timothy C. Thompson
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Patent number: RE38491Abstract: Powders of BaCO3, TiO2, ZnO, etc. are mixed to each other at a predetermined ratio of quantity, calcined in an atmospheric air at &pgr;°-120° C., and pulverized to obtain a calcined powder having an average grain size from 1 to 3 &mgr; m, 0.1 to 20 parts-by weight of a powder having an average grain size from 0.1 to 1.5 &mgr;m comprising a glass having a transition point of not higher than 450° C. obtained by mixing powders of Pb3O4, SiO2, Na2O, etc. to each other, melting and then pouring into water and pulverizing the thus obtained glass is admixed to the calcined powder. The mixture is dried, pelleted by adding a resin and the pellet powder is molded into a cylindrical shape, applied with CIP (Cold isotartic press), and the molding product after the treatment is sintered in an atmospheric air at 850° to 1000° C. to obtain a dielectric ceramic sintered at low temperature.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2000Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hidetoshi Mizutani, Masahiko Okuyama, Noritaka Yoshida, Hirofumi Ozeki, Hiroshi Katagiri
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Patent number: RE38492Abstract: A signal processor which acquires a first signal, including a first desired signal portion and a first undesired signal portion, and a second signal, including a second desired signal portion and a second undesired signal portion, wherein the first and second desired signal portions are correlated. The signals may be acquired by propagating energy through a medium and measuring an attenuated signal after transmission or reflection. Alternatively, the signals may be acquired by measuring energy generated by the medium. A processor generates a noise reference signal which is a combination of only the undesired signal portions and is correlated to both the first and second undesired signal portions. The noise reference signal is then used to remove the undesired portion of each of the first and second measured signals via an adaptive noise canceler, preferably of the joint process estimator type.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Masimo CorporationInventors: Mohamed Kheir Diab, Massi E. Kiani
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Patent number: 6715149Abstract: This invention relates to a novel design of dry-suit. More particularly, this invention pertains to a novel dry-suit design which has a smooth captive shell and concealed pleats for improved dry-suit functionality. A dry-suit comprising: (a) a hollow element-proof fabric formed in the shape of a human body including two arms, two legs and a torso; (b) first and second inwardly extending pleats formed in each of the two legs; and (c) first and second elastic element-proof fabric panels covering the respective first and second pleats and sealed around the periphery with the surrounding adjacent regions of the element-proof fabric of the dry-suit.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Whites Manufacturing Ltd.Inventor: Richard Kerr Myerscough
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Patent number: 6715150Abstract: Visors for helmets are generally of spherical shape and of constant thickness, and articulated to the side walls of a helmet at the level of the forehead, about an axis of articulation passing through the center of their sphere. Thus shaped and mounted, they are seen off axis by a helmet wearer leading to optical distortions for him caused by diffraction effects on their internal and external faces. Visors with shapes modified to minimize the optical distortions perceived by a helmet wearer are proposed here. A first type of modification consists of a relative pivoting, in the vertical plane, of one of the faces of the visor with respect to the other and of a slight reduction in the ratio of the radius of curvature of the outer face of the visor to that of the inner face of the visor compared to the usual concentric bispherical visor. A second type of modification consists of adopting one or two aspherical surfaces of particular shape.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Thales Avionics S.A.Inventor: Laurent Potin
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Patent number: 6715151Abstract: A transparent, thin film gloved envelope is provided to be worn on the hand and arm of a person during manipulations and/or examination of hazardous or noxious articles or matter. While the article is held in the gloved hand the sleeve or skirt that was covering the arms can be reversed and rolled over to cover the article and thereafter sealed to form an enclosing envelope. An erectable support skeleton is provided to support the membranes forming an enclosure to allow manual examination of the article contained. The envelope may be of a substantial size, provided with two dependent gloves for two-handed manipulation and examination, and a filtered orifice is provided together with a culture bed inside the enclosure. The suspended enclosure is then useful as an inexpensive examination and culturing chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Robert Brockman
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Patent number: 6715152Abstract: The invention relates to a motorcycling glove wherein two or more fingers are connected together with the use of strips of leather or equivalent system. A rotation of the glove fingers with respect to the hand fingers can be avoided in case of a fall and the seamed joints along the fingers are prevented from breaking.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Alpinestars SpAInventor: Giovanni Mazzarolo
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Patent number: 6715153Abstract: A hat which is manufactured of material such as synthetic resin and the like and formed into a box-shaped, generally square pyramidal main body as a whole comprises integrally-provided foldable chocking pieces formed by cutting a plurality of evenly spaced slits on a rim around a locking hole disposed in a center of a base.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Toshihisa Mitsuhashi
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Patent number: 6715154Abstract: A baseball-style cap having a free-size capability for accommodating wearers having a range of head sizes without a separate sizing mechanism. The cap includes a crown main body which is expandable at least in a peripheral direction, and a headband made of a substantially non-stretchable fabric material. The headband is connected to the lower peripheral edge of the crown main body by a piece of stretchable fabric which is sewn to cover the headband. The lower peripheral edge of the headband is incised or grooved at regular intervals such that a stretching force thereon in the peripheral direction causes the headband to demonstrate teeth appearance.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Dada Corp.Inventor: Boo Y L Park
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Patent number: 6715155Abstract: A pair of pants comprising a closure region with two flaps (5, 6) which partially overlap and are equipped with means for holding one with respect to the other, and which also comprises: a casing (10) going around the waist of the pants; a strap (11) able to slide inside the casing (10), one end of the strap (11) being fixed to a region of the casing, the other end (12) being free and re-emerging from the casing at a first flap (6); an eyelet (22) arranged on the second flap (5) and able to have the free end (12) of the strap (11) passed through it; means of securing the free end (12) of the strap to the first flap (6) of the pants when said free end (12) passes through the eyelet (22) and is folded back onto the first flap (6).Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Skis Rossignol S.A.Inventor: Sophie Duflos
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Patent number: 6715156Abstract: This invention relates to a protective headgear for use by wrestlers and other athletes who require protective covers for their ears during practice and contests. The headgear provides shock absorbency and protection for the ears and forehead in an easily adjustable and comfortable device that is also reversible from a first color to a second color and meets the requirements of international wrestling rules as promulgated by the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA).Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2003Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: John W Purnell
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Patent number: 6715157Abstract: A pair of sports goggles is disclosed. The sports goggles include: a lens a flexible frame housing the lens, and a headband. The goggles also include rotatable headband mounting members and/or a removable/replaceable moisture wicking system affixed to the inner surface of the frame. The lens is configured to be positioned over a wearer's eyes. The flexible frame housing houses the lens and is defined by a frame top, a frame bottom, a frame right side and a frame left side. The frame has an inner surface that is worn towards the wearer's face. The headband has a headband left end and a headband right end. The first and second rotatable headband mounting members are attached to the headband left end and the headband right end respectively and the first and second rotatable headband mounting members are attached to the frame left side and the frame right side respectively for providing rotatable engagement of the headband with the frame.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Spy Optic, Inc.Inventor: Jerome Jacques Marie Mage
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Patent number: 6715158Abstract: The present invention is a padded garment covering the lower torso and upper legs of paraplegics, who have lost not only control of their legs but any sensation of pain, said garments providing protection against bruises and abrasions caused by sliding about on floors, collisions with edges and corners, and/or other activities involved in moving about, the padding of said garment having a resilient core resistent to complete collapse and covered with a surface resistent to puncture or wear by the described activities and devoid of seams, fasteners, and other protrusions which could cause injury by chafing, said garment capable of conforming to any of several body positions.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2000Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Carl M. Hay
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Patent number: 6715159Abstract: An apparatus for releasably sealing the opening between a glove and the sleeve cuff to prevent ingress of water therebetween. The apparatus includes a pair of rings, one of which is attached to the wrist portion of a glove while the other is attached to the cuff portion of a sleeve. The rings are releasably engageable with one another in the sealed fashion under normal working conditions. The rings are capable of self-disengaging angularly and/or axially when subjected to an angular force or moment of predetermined magnitude and duration applied to the connection so as to permit detachment of the glove. The apparatus is particularly useful in wet mining applications not only to prevent water from entering the opening between the glove and cuff but also to disengage safely and assuredly should a glove get caught in any equipment.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada as represented by the Minister of Natural ResourcesInventor: Richard Cormier
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Patent number: 6715160Abstract: A hazard protection suit has a pants section which extends to waist level. A torso section extends upwardly to an upper margin below the wearer's arm pits, and a stowage flap extends outwardly therefrom, to hang down over the torso section and to enclose, by a resilient cord, the upper section of the suit including the sleeves, a hood, and a face mask. The upper body section is retained in a folded compact condition against the wearer's torso in ordinary wear. When needed, the retention member is released and the wearer's hands are extended through looped sleeve cuffs, and zippers are operated to secure the upper body section around the wearer, making a sealed interior space. The wearer's utility belt and gear pouches may remain in place as they are undisturbed by the donning of the upper body section. The face mask is secured along a face encircling zipper.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: LineWeight LLCInventors: Caleb Clark Crye, Eric Owen Fehlberg, Gregg M. Thompson
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Patent number: 6715161Abstract: A toilet training aid comprising a platform and set of safety rails. The platform has a cutout that enables it to be placed directly in front of a standard toilet so that the toilet seat over-hangs the platform. A set of adjustable safety handrails provides small children with an added sense of security while using the toilet and can be completely removed if desired.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2003Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Allan J. Depoe, Jr.
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Patent number: 6715162Abstract: A toilet includes a toilet bowl assembly having a toilet bowl and a trapway extending from the bottom of the toilet bowl to a sewage line. The toilet bowl has a rim channel provided along an upper perimeter portion thereof. In this toilet, the flush water flows through the rim channel in a path which is asymmetric and unidirectional along the entire perimeter portion thereof. The rim channel includes a plurality of rim openings distributed evenly along the perimeter of the rim channel. Flush water passing through the plurality of rim openings pre-wets the entire perimeter of the toilet bowl. The rim channel further includes a pair of water discharge slots which directs water directly into the toilet bowl in two powerful streams. The flush valve allowing passage of water from the water tank to the toilet bowl assembly is in the form of a valve inlet having a radiused port to generate greater energy throughput of the flush water.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: American Standard Inc.Inventors: Joseph Unkyung Han, Aleksandr V. Prokopenko, Robert Michael Jensen
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Patent number: 6715163Abstract: A shower curtain rod that employs a u-shaped bar mirroring the curvature of a bath tub to allow a shower curtain that attaches to the rod via ring type clamps to hang in a curved configuration, thereby reducing the chance of water splashing outside the shower area. Because the rod is continuous, i.e. has no attachment to the wall or any other structure, along the entire u-shaped portion, the side edges of the shower curtain are free to follow the u-shape of the bar as they are pulled by the user to close the shower curtain. Flexible ears are provided on each end of the u-shaped bar to hold the side edges of the shower curtain shut while allowing the curtain to be opened at either side. The rod is adjustable in length and attaches to the opposing walls of the shower by fasteners or via tension.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Lance Cunningham
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Patent number: 6715164Abstract: A bath lift including an inflatable part 10 locatable in a bath to raise or lower a person sitting thereon. The part 10 comprises a seat section 12 and a support section 20. The sections 12, 20 are connected in series such that with a person sitting on the part 10 the section 12 will deflate first, and when the part 10 is being inflated with a person sitting thereon the section 20 will inflate prior to the section 12.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventors: William David Steadman, William Lee Steadman
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Patent number: 6715165Abstract: A five-second leak detection technique is used to test for invisible leaks in toilets and similar fixtures. Because of its speed it is particularly useful for large apartment complexes, condominiums and hotels where it is desirable to check hundreds of toilets in a short time. It's clear-cut results and high visibility make it ideal for home use as it unequivocally identifies seeps and slow leaks that may be undetectable otherwise. Checking is done by applying a swath of liquid with a high color density across the porcelain surface just below the rim drain holes in the toilet. If the a toilet is leaking, tiny rivulets of water draining from these holes will immediately cause white streaks in the dense colored swath, alerting the operator to the presence of a leak.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1996Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: John E. Schommer
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Patent number: 6715166Abstract: The futon sofa bed frame featuring a quick assembly system and method for fitting the back-deck into position between the arm panels. A futon sofa bed frame featuring a quick assembly system and method for attaching the seat-deck to the back-deck that may be converted between seating, lounging, and bed positions while standing at the front of the futon frame and the method of assembling a futon sofa bed that is easier to manipulate and is more durable in operating than conventional futons.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Grossman Product Services SDNInventors: Joel Grossman, Howard Porter
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Patent number: 6715167Abstract: A two piece incorporated device designed to assist in the lifting and transfer of such person who is partially incapacitated by infirmity or disability from one sitting position in one location to another sitting position in another location. (ex: wheelchair to toilet, bed to chair, etc.) The device includes a torso belt with hold and support handles on back, secured by sewn on hook and loop style fastener; and a thigh support segment with handles sewn into either end, which supports the posterior and weight of said patient. The connection of these two pieces with quick-disconnect buckles provides a greater sense of balance for patient and attendant(s) and helps eliminate weight stress on the patient by virtue of proper weight distribution. The thigh support segment is also equipped with forward positioning straps (at either end), which facilitate a rocking forward by the attendant(s), bringing patient closer prior to lifting.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2003Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Sindy Lu Wake
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Patent number: 6715168Abstract: The present invention provides a mosquito net frame. A rectangular top frame portion of the mosquito net frame is realized by easily assembling square tubes or rods and fittings together. Square tubes or rods are also used for corner columns that also interface with the fittings of the top frame at each corner of the top frame. A foot is added at the bottom of each column to assist in supporting the mosquito net frame from a frame of a cot or from a ground surface. A conventional mosquito netting or other fabric is supported by the mosquito net frame to protect a sleeping person. Disassembly and transport is realized by simply pulling the square tubes from the fittings and placing the components in a container with a secured lid for carrying, shipping and storing the mosquito net frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2003Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Troy Eugene Williams
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Patent number: 6715169Abstract: A mechanism to center a patient on a patient support platform of a therapeutic bed is provided comprising a threaded rod that has left-hand threads on one end and right-hand threads on the other; first and second mounts threadably engaged with the left-hand and right-hand threads, respectively, of the threaded rod; and first and second patient support accessories mounted to the first and second mounts, respectively. The rod, when rotated, is operable to move the first and second patient support accessories in opposite directions, either toward or away from the patient. In one embodiment, a manually operable handle is connected to the threaded rod for effecting rotation of the threaded rod to produce symmetric movement of the first and second patient support accessories. In another embodiment, a motor-driven actuator is operably connected to the threaded rod for effecting rotation of the threaded rod to produce symmetric movement of the first and second patient support accessories.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2003Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.Inventor: Christopher T. Niederkrom
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Patent number: 6715170Abstract: A stretcher including a substantially rigid cavity defined by a base, opposing ends extending upwardly from the base, and opposing sidewalls disposed between the opposing ends and extending upwardly from the base. Each of the opposing sidewalls includes at least one low section so that a human limb can be extended out of the cavity to maneuver the stretcher.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2003Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Thomas A. Richmond
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Patent number: 6715171Abstract: An air cell pillow includes an air cushion and a cover. The air cushion is encased by a cover that has a top, bottom and four side panels arranged generally in a box shape. The top and bottom panels each have a first thickness and the side panels each have a second thickness. The first thickness is greater than the second thickness. The first thickness provides a smooth, continuous surface atop the independent air cells of the cushion and the second thickness allowing the pillow to readily collapse upon application of a load to the top and bottom panels. The air cushion has separate zones that may be independently adjusted to vary the resiliency in each zone. The cushion has a base sheet and a top sheet. The top sheet is molded in the form of a plurality of air cells that are secured to and extend outwardly from the base sheet.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2003Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Kurtis F. Grabe
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Patent number: 6715172Abstract: There is provided a bedrest including an inflatable bladder, a compressor assembly and a microprocessor based controller for inflating and deflating the bladder. The compressor assembly has several stages reducing the volume of air. The compressor assembly includes a housing having an air intake, a motor and a centrifugal blower for passing air into a valve assembly. When inflating, the air passes under pressure through the centrifugal blower, past the motor and through a check valve into the valve assembly and through air outlet that is connected to an air supply tube. In a preferred embodiment, the valve assembly is equipped with a solenoid relief valve for use when deflating the bladder. The microprocessor based controller enables an individual to inflate or deflate the bladder to any desired amount with a simple control.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Banyan Licensing LCInventors: Robert Leventhal, Paul Thomas
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Patent number: 6715173Abstract: A modular sleep system has a foundation unit, an support unit having an innerspring and a support surface covered with a friction material, and a comfort unit having compressible material encapsulated in a woven upholstery material which is engaged by the friction material on the support surface of the support unit to prevent lateral movement or sliding of the comfort unit relative to the support unit, without any fasteners between the support unit and the comfort unit. The comfort unit can be lifted vertically off of the support unit without release or use of any fasteners, to be turned over, fluffed or exchanged for a different comfort unit having different layers of internal materials, feature layers, and support characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Sealy Technology LLCInventors: Bruce G. Barman, William Freeman, David Crist
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Patent number: 6715174Abstract: A self inflated air cushioned bed includes a base, multiple air units each provided with at least two air cells securely mounted on top of a substrate and at least one unidirectional valve mounted on the substrate to allow air to flow into the at least two air cells, and an expanding device received in each one of the at least two air cells in each of the multiple air units to maintain the at least two air cells in each of the air units to be expanded. When the at least two air cells of each of the air units are expanded due to the expanding device, the at least one unidirectional valve allows air to flow into the at least two air cells of each of the air units so that the air units are maintained inflated.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Jen-Hsiu Tsai
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Patent number: 6715175Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting load unbalance in an appliance is provided for an appliance having a vessel configured to receive a supply of material and rotatable about an axis. A control is arranged and configured to rapidly accelerate a rotation of the vessel, determine an amount of energy with which the vessel has engaged the relatively stationary part, compare the amount of energy with a predetermined value and send a signal indicative of an unbalance condition if the amount of energy exceeds the predetermined value. The vessel may be rotated by use of an electric motor such as a controlled induction motor and the control can be used to measure the electric current drawn by the motor and through manipulation of the current, determine the amount of energy with which the vessel engages the stationary part of the appliance.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Rosario Ciancimino, Brenner Martin Sharp, Gerald C. Stenger
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Patent number: 6715176Abstract: A device for fixing together a construction element and a structural cable, the device has a rigid housing connected to the construction element and surrounding the cable, a wedging structure comprising at least one deformable material arranged between the cable and housing, and load transmitting means arranged to exert a longitudinal compressive force, parallel to the cable, on the wedging structure. The wedging structure is pressed against the cable and the housing under the action of the longitudinal compressive force, so as to offer resistance to movement of the housing and of the construction element parallel to the cable.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Freyssinet International (STUP)Inventors: Jérôme Stubler, Michel Robert Crawford McClenahan, Patrick Ladret, Ivica Zivanovic
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Patent number: 6715177Abstract: A ramp, for instance a walk ramp for pets, such as dogs, includes an elongated walk bridge (1) which is intended to be placed so as to slope between two height levels. The bridge includes two parts (10, 11) which are mutually sequential in the longitudinal direction of the bridge and which are mutually connected via a hinge means (18) which in one swinging direction has an end position in which the walk surfaces of said parts (10, 11) are essentially parallel and in a common plane, and which in its other swinging direction enable the parts (10, 11) to be folded to essential parallelity. When the bridge is extended or unfolded, a join gap between the parts (10, 11) on the upper load-carrying side of the bridge will be covered by a cover plate (4), which has an edge part that is fastened to one bridge part (10) and extends generally transversely over the width of the bridge (1).Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2000Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Anita Lagergren-Julander
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Patent number: 6715178Abstract: Disclosed is a device for use with a conventional automobile hand polisher for use in polishing of floors. The device includes a detachable handle having a storage bin and an actuation leaver. The handle provides control of a high speed polisher in a stand-up position, the storage bin provides an area for the placement of weight and for storing of all items upon when not in use. By use of the disclosed handle, a high speed lightweight orbital polisher can be employed for providing a high gloss finish to most floor surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Pasquale Graceffo
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Patent number: 6715179Abstract: A mop fixture for receiving and holding a mop head has a hood of resilient polymeric material which is attachable to a mop handle. A mop retaining bar has opposite ends terminating in down turned hook portions and snaps into spaced end walls of the hood. A mop head with depending opposite strand bunches is centered by the mop retaining bar so that the center of the mop head is retained within the hood. The mop retaining bar is removable to accommodate thicker or thinner mop heads.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Ronald Alexander Young
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Patent number: 6715180Abstract: The invention concerns a cabinet hinge with a depth adjusting device for hinge arm held directly or indirectly on a cabinet-side, single- or multi-part mounting plate. A revolvable depth adjusting screw held in the mounting plate is provided in order to adjust the depth. A driver plate is connected with the hinge arm; whereby, the depth adjusting screw has adjusting elements that work together with corresponding adjusting surfaces on the driver plate in such a way that by turning the depth adjusting screw, the driver plate and the hinge arm are moved in relation to the mounting plate. The invention offers the advantage that with only turn, the depth adjusting screw can finely and delicately adjust the depth position of the hinge arm over its entire adjustment range.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Grass GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Mueller, Markus Albrecht, Remo Egger, Holger Wenzel
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Patent number: 6715181Abstract: A hinge device of the snap-in type for use in a door leaf and door frame assembly, the hinge device having a first hinge leaf attachable to the door frame and second hinge leaf pivotably attached to said first hinge leaf and snap insertable into a receiving pocket on the door leaf. The second hinge leaf has a notch at its free end portion for interaction with an adjusting screw having a pair of step flanges to bear against either side of the second hinge leaf to enable lateral adjustment of the hinge device about hinge pivot means on the second hinge leaf, the pivot means being elevated protuberances at each lateral edge on both lateral surfaces of the second hinge leaf. Means are provided for also enabling height adjustment of the hinge device.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2000Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: FRIP ABInventor: Bror Fries
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Patent number: 6715182Abstract: A self-closing safety gate hinge comprises a bracket, a bottom seat, a top seat and a hinge pin. The bracket is attached to a top of a gate post. The bottom seat is attached to one side of the bracket and an inclined top surface is cambered on the bottom seat. A through hole is defined vertically through the bottom seat. The top seat has an inclined bottom surface corresponding to the inclined top surface and is attached to one side of a gate at top. A stepped through hole is defined vertically through the top seat. The hinge pin is mounted through a spring and the through holes and is held in place by a C-clip.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Shu-Chen Cheng
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Patent number: 6715183Abstract: A hinge (10) for furniture doors, the supporting wall stop part of which, which is constructed as a supporting arm (14), is coupled pivotably over two hinge guide rods (16; 18) with the door stop part, which is constructed as a hinge pot (12), with a spring-loaded mechanism, which it is formed by a leg spring, which is disposed in the supporting arm and engages an extension of the out to hinge guide rod (16), and a further leg spring, which is supported in the supporting arm. The leg spring is constructed as a double leg spring (42) with a middle double leg (44) of two parallel leg arms, protruding between two groups of spring coils (47) from, in each case, one of the inner spring coils, and two outer legs (46), protruding from the in each case outermost spring coil of each group.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Mepla-Werke Lautenschlager GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Gerhard Lautenschläger
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Patent number: 6715184Abstract: A boutonniere buttoneer, having a rectangular body, a front side and a back side, and having two cylindrical legs connected to the back side which are substantially close to the ends respectively; and having leg covers having a hole and handle for receiving the legs; where when legs penetrate a fabric the leg covers clamp onto the legs and prevent said rectangular body from moving.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2003Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Patricia Droschak
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Patent number: 6715185Abstract: A panel fastener forming a blind connection between a primary and secondary panel is herein disclosed. The panel fastener is constructed and arranged to be preassembled with an attachment structure extending from an undersurface of the primary panel. The head of the panel fastener has an alignment detent or detent extending therefrom that engages the attachment structure of the primary panel so as to maintain the panel fastener in a predetermined orientation therewith. The panel fastener has a shank with a retaining mechanism constructed and arranged to be received and retained in a bore formed through a secondary panel.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Roger A. Angellotti
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Patent number: 6715186Abstract: A charm chain is comprised of an ornamental chain in a selected shape, multiple snaps and a lining band, snaps being respectively fixed to both ends of the ornamental chain and retain the lining band at the bottom of the ornamental chain for the charm chain to be adapted to a string bikini, a bra, a strap or any other accessories for ornamental purpose and safe use since the ornamental chain is prevented from directly contacting one's skin by means of the: lining band.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2003Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Pei-Hui Huang