Patents Issued in May 11, 2004
  • Patent number: PP14767
    Abstract: A new and distinct Thunbergia plant named ‘Orange Wonder’, characterized by its bright orange flowers, dark green leaves, good basal branching character and climbing, spreading growth habit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Unger Breeding
    Inventor: Michael H. Unger
  • Patent number: PP14768
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Nectarine Tree characterized by its low chilling requirement, producing a mid-season ripening, good quality, yellow fleshed, high firm, attractively colored and shaped fruit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Plantas de Navarra, S.A.
    Inventor: José Miguel Arias López
  • Patent number: PP14769
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Peach Tree having a low chilling requirement, early ripening season producing good quality, yellow fleshed, high firm fruit with attractive color and shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Plantas de Navarra S.A.
    Inventor: José Miguel Arias López
  • Patent number: PP14770
    Abstract: A new cultivar of Clematis named ‘Fascination’ that is characterized by upright to semi-climbing habit, glossy violet flowers in summer, glossy flower buds, silver seed heads, and medium to dark-green foliage. In combination these traits set ‘Fascination’ apart from all other existing varieties of Clematis known to the inventor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Plant Haven, Inc.
    Inventor: Wim Snoeijer
  • Patent number: PP14771
    Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of strawberry named ‘Driscoll Camarillo’. The variety is similar to the varieties ‘Baeza’ and ‘Ventura’. The variety is distinguished from ‘Baeza’ and ‘Ventura’ in that ‘Driscoll Camarillo’ has a longer fruiting truss, a dark green coloration of the upper side of the leaf, a globosely plant habit, even fruit coloration, and absent to small hollow center size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Driscoll Strawberry Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Amado Q. Amorao, Arnoldo Solis, Jr., Michael Ferguson
  • Patent number: PP14772
    Abstract: A new and distinct Chrysanthemum plant variety characterized by a pink/white color ray florets, consistent flowering response to short days, blooming consistently after 49 days of short day length, small foliage, long lasting blooms, and consistent natural season flowering habit during late September.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Mozant, LLC
    Inventor: Frank Moser
  • Patent number: PP14773
    Abstract: This new grape plant ‘l3-21-12’ is new and different because of its unusual shape, late ripening and very large berry size. It differs from the ‘Thompson Seedless’ variety, from which it descends, by having a much larger berry size, berries with a tougher skin and looser cluster. It somewhat resembles the ‘Calmeria’ variety, from which it also descends, by having a seedless berry and larger berry size upon application of exogenous gibberellic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Sunview Vineyards of California Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy F. Bourne
  • Patent number: PP14774
    Abstract: This new variety of grape plant named ‘13-19-30’ is new and different because of its very large, spherical, seedless berry and strong muscat flavor. It responds favorably to springtime applications of exogenous gibberellic acid, producing a loose, flexible cluster with a large increase in berry size over natural fruit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Sunview Vineyards if California, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy F. Bourne
  • Patent number: PP14775
    Abstract: A Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Hutch’ characterized by its medium sized blooms with bi-color red and yellow ray-florets and yellow-green disc florets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Chrysanthemum Breeders Association N.V.
    Inventor: Robert Noodelijk
  • Patent number: PP14776
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of winter hardy hibiscus plant named ‘Robert Fleming’ is the result of a unique hybridization. This new and distinct cultivar is characterized primarily as to novelty by its extreme cold hardiness to Zone 4, its ovate “Hydrangea-like” green leaves, its rich, large, dark red flowers that are very overlapping and ruffled, its short stature and compactness with vigorous growth potential, total refinement, and its floriferous nature from midsummer until frost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventors: David W. Fleming, Gretchen A. Zwetzig
  • Patent number: PP14777
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of black walnut tree (Juglans nigra L.) which is distinctly characterized by extremely rapid growth rate, very strong central stem tendency, and excellent straightness, thereby producing excellent timber qualities. This new variety of black walnut tree (Juglans nigra L.) was discovered by the applicant near South Raub, Tippecanoe County, Ind. in a black walnut planting of seedling progeny from a previously selected tree for outstanding timber producing potential. This selection has been designated as BW500, a seedling progeny of BW 249 in records maintained by the applicant on the performance of the selection and grafts made from the selection and will be known henceforth as ‘Beineke 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: American Forestry Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter Beineke
  • Patent number: PP14778
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of peach, Prunus persica, tree having the following unique combination of desirable features: 1. The new and distinct variety of peach tree is of average height and of upright growth and a regular and productive bearer of peaches. 2. Producing a very firm fruit having a resilient flesh texture. 3. Blossoms are non-showy when in full bloom. 4. A substantially oval spherical fruit with skin of dark red cover overlying a yellow which covers approximately twenty percent (20%) of its surface at maturity. 5. When harvested, the peduncle often remains affixed to the pit. 6. Late maturing fruit of good taste. 7. A late maturing fruit of good storage and shelf life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Paul Jan Friday
  • Patent number: PP14779
    Abstract: ‘Kakegawa S46’ is a new variety of Calibrachoa plant. This new variety has light yellow flowers and dark green foliage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Sakata Seed Corporation
    Inventor: Masao Bessho
  • Patent number: PP14780
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of blackberry plant named Driscoll Cowles. The new cultivar is distinguished from other blackberry cultivars by its mid-late season crop, large fruit size and thornless canes. Driscoll Cowles produces fruit with improved quality and shipping characteristics. The new cultivar is distinguished from its seed parent by having larger fruit; it is distinguished from its pollen parent by its larger, better flavored fruit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Driscoll Strawberry Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos D. Fear, Gavin Sills, Fred M. Cook, Richard E. Harrison
  • Patent number: PP14781
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of raspberry plant named Driscoll Madonna. The new cultivar is distinguished from other raspberry cultivars by its large fruit with excellent fruit firmness and structure. The new cultivar is distinguished from its seed parent by having better flavor. The new cultivar is distinguished from its pollen parent by producing larger, firmer fruit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Driscoll Strawberry Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos D. Fear, Richard E. Harrison, Fred M. Cook, Gavin Sills
  • Patent number: PP14782
    Abstract: A new Diascia plant particularly distinguished by its large blush flowers combined with deeprose spurs, early flowering and a habit that is first erect and later spreading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Syngenta Seeds BV
    Inventor: Henricus G. W. Stemkens
  • Patent number: PP14783
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Lily plant named ‘Rousillon’ characterized by its erect to vertical flowers, intense purple-red color with contrasting orange pollen and stripes, spots and flakes on the inner side of the throat, and vigorous growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Vletter & Den Haan Beheer B.V.
    Inventor: Cees A. van der Voort
  • Patent number: RE38511
    Abstract: A wheel set with independent and combined rotation of the running surfaces of the wheels, of use as a driving axle of a transport device, e.g. an underground railway car. It comprises an axle 1 and wheels having hubs 2 rigidly connected to the axle 1. The running surface of one wheel is formed on a rim rigidly connected to the hub. The running surface 3 of the other wheel is formed on a rim 4 connected to the hub with possibility of rotation. The rim is connected to the hub via smooth surfaces of rotation, e.g. cylindrical surfaces 5 or conical surfaces 6. Parameters of the connection such as the diameter, roughness, hardness, or material are chosen subject to the condition that the torque defined by the frictional forces at the connection in a state of rest is greater than the torque applied to the axle when the transport device starts. During the process of motion, the torque decreases and the rim 4 can rotate relative to the hub, so that the wheels rotate at different angular speeds, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventors: Arkady Moiseevich Fridberg, Leonid Vladimirovich Vinnik
  • Patent number: RE38512
    Abstract: A code pattern of an information recording medium contains processing information necessary for editing data according to a restoration processing procedure for restoring multimedia information. The restoration processing procedure has a hierarchical structure of layers 1 to 5. The layer 5 has a file management function. The layer 4 has a function of collecting subset elements to create a subset and converting the same to create a data transfer unit or sector which the layer 5 deals with. The layer 3 or lower layer has a function of reading the code pattern from the information recording medium, subjecting the code pattern to a preset restoration process and outputting the subset elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sasaki, Hiroyoshi Fujimori, Shinichi Imade, Shinzo Matsui, Takeshi Mori
  • Patent number: RE38513
    Abstract: At the transmitter side, carrier waves are modulated according to an input signal for producing relevant signal points in a signal space diagram. The input signal is divided into, two, first and second, data streams. The signal points are divided into signal point groups to which data of the first data stream are assigned. Also, data of the second data stream are assigned to the signal points of each signal point group. A difference in the transmission error rate between first and second data streams is developed by shifting the signal points to other positions in the space diagram expressed at least in the polar coordinate system. At the receiver side, the first and/or second data streams can be reconstructed from a received signal. In TV broadcast service, a TV signal is divided by a transmitter into, low and high, frequency band components which are designated as a first and a second data streams respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuaki Oshima
  • Patent number: RE38514
    Abstract: A system for controlling memory accesses in a memory device in a multi-processor computer system comprises a memory controller and a data storage. The data storage comprises a plurality of memory lines. Each memory line has a check field for storing a GONE code that indicates that the data is held in a cache, a g bit field for storing a G bit for confirming the code in the check field, a tag field for storing an identification of the processor in whose cache the data is held, and a d bit field for storing the true value of the G bit in rare situations. The memory controller comprises a data buffer, an address buffer, and a memory sequencer. The memory sequencer is a state machine for controlling the functions of the memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: David V. James, Glen D. Stone
  • Patent number: 6732374
    Abstract: The wedge gripper is a flexible finger held device which protects the fingers while angling or wedging a bar towards or in the palm. The wedge gripper is not limited to a cylindrical excercise bar. It is effective with any cylindrical handle. The wedge gripper's trapezoid ends provide the shape to make it effective. The wedge gripper has a top wider than the parallel bottom and adjacent beveled sides which are the front and the back. The top provides protection of the finger area, pliable tension to the finger against a solid bar, and also is wide enough to create a beveled surface from top to bottom. The bottom creates a pocket for the folds of skin around the finger joints. The front, which is a beveled surface, rests against the solid surface of a bar. The back beveled surface protects the area on the finger from one joint crease to the other joint crease where it is placed. The wedge gripper is placed below the middle finger crease for pulling motions or above the middle crease for pushing motions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Constance L. Blair
  • Patent number: 6732375
    Abstract: A child's bib for use concurrent with a pacifier so as to inhibit the pacifier from falling out of the child's mouth or to retain the pacifier adjacent the child's head. The bib can include a case of flexible material, such as cloth, and an inelastically deformable material encased within the case such that the bib may be deformed to form a stop structure to retain the pacifier or to catch the pacifier should it fall out. The bib can also include a bib element including an inelastically deformable material that is attachable to a surface of a conventional bib, such as via hook-and-loop tape. The bib can also be deformed to form a catch structure to catch material, such as food, that may exit the child's mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Loyd Arve Nornes
  • Patent number: 6732376
    Abstract: A protective sports glove comprises a body and a cuff. The body has a palm portion, typically four fingers, a thumb, and a back portion. The glove is preferably suitably padded to offer the player an adequate level of protection from impact type injuries during game play. One or more attachable protectors are selectively attachable to the glove. The arrangement of the attachable protector on the glove can be customized by the user. As such, the padding characteristics of the glove and attachable protector can be customized by selectively attaching the attachable protector as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Mission Hockey Company
    Inventor: Justin Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6732377
    Abstract: Relaxation of grip during a golf stroke is restrained by hook-to-loop adhesion between fabric (5) covering the golf-club handle (3) and fabric elements (11-14) attached to the golfer's gloves (1, 2). The handle-covering fabric (5) has hook-ended threads and is wrapped around the handle (3) directly (or helically (25) FIG. 5). Loop-fabric patches (11, 13) are attached to the tips of the glove-thumbs (15, 21), and loop-fabric elements (12, 14) extend across the palms (16, 22) at the base of the fingers (17-20, 23, 24). Change of grip is signaled by a tearing sound as hook-loop engagement is broken at either glove (1, 2). An alternative pair of gloves ((21, 32), FIGS. 6-10) includes a palm-located fabric element (38) augmenting adhesion of the lower glove (31) with the handle (3), and mutally-adhering fabric elements (34, 39) of opposite thread types for restraining relaxation of the upper glove (32) from where it overlies the lower glove (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Staygripped Limited
    Inventor: Paul Richard Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 6732378
    Abstract: A glove including a plurality of tucks formed in the fingers, thumb and in the back portion. The tucks positioned on the fingers and thumb are formed in the fourchette of each finger and thumb on both sides of a wearer's knuckles. The tucks formed in the back portion of the glove are located at the peripheral edge of back portion, on both sides of a wearer's hand. The tucks operate to shape the glove to the natural position of a wearer's hand. The tucks also provide for a pre-formed bending crease in the fourchettes to increase flexibility and reduce hand and finger fatigue of a wearer. The fourchettes and the back portion of the glove are formed of an aluminized radiant reflective material to protect a wearer from elevated temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Edina Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry R. Novak
  • Patent number: 6732379
    Abstract: There is provided an ear covering device to be worn over the ears of an individual in such a manner as to cup over the ears and to extend in a contoured manner at such an angle as to fit securely around the front of the individual's head along the very edge of the forehead at the hairline and furthermore to extend in a contoured manner at such an angle as to fit securely around the back of the individual's head along the very edge of the neck at the hairline. These ear coverings are constructed of a soft and pliable material or fabric, single or plural layers that expand for the comfort of the individual, for the purpose of keeping the ear protectors in place and for the ease of putting on and removing the ear protectors. These ear protectors can be constructed with the option of an opening with a fastening device on each end that adopts to cooperate in securing the ends together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Eugenia Fripp Ducker Lebherz
  • Patent number: 6732380
    Abstract: A fixing device for the windshield of a safety helmet includes a windshield having its left and right end provided with a projection with projecting wings, a projecting rib and a slide block. A helmet shell is fixed with a base plate respectively at the opposite ends of its window. Each base plate is provided with a corrugated edge near the annular recess base, and a slide groove for receiving the slide block with a slidable lip block in its intermediate portion of a groove. In assembling, the windshield is slightly moved for a little angle, with projecting wings of the projection fitting in the two notches of the helmet shell and fixed by the lip blocks to keep the windshield immovable in place, convenient to assemble and use the windshield with the helmet shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Long Huei Helmet Co.
    Inventor: Te Long Lee
  • Patent number: 6732381
    Abstract: A sports helmet for providing a user with a protective sports helmet that would include features such as an mp3 player, a radio, and a cellular telephone. The sports helmet includes a body member that is adapted for receiving a portion of the head of the user. The body member is adapted for protecting the head of the user from impacts. A strap assembly is coupled to the body member. The strap assembly is adapted for extending around a chin of the user for securing the body member to the head of the user. A communication assembly is coupled within the body member. The communication assembly is adapted for providing audio signals to the user when the body member is positioned on the head of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Sanjiv K. Lal
  • Patent number: 6732382
    Abstract: A goggle comprising a lens, a frame and a vent cover including an attachment component and a retention component, wherein the vent cover can be selectively moved relative to the frame to at least two different positions defining substantially different levels of airflow through frame vents, and retained at each position. In certain embodiments, one position is defined by substantially all of the peripheral-contact surface of the vent cover contacting the frame wherein a first level of airflow can be either substantially non-zero or substantially zero. Other positions are defined by substantially all of the peripheral-contact surface not contacting the frame wherein outside air is allowed to flow across the inside surface of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: John Dondero
  • Patent number: 6732383
    Abstract: A goggle having at least one side arm. The arms may be used to support the goggle on a wearer's head, and may be pivotally mounted to the goggle frame inward of an outermost portion of the goggle lens(es) or frame. The arms may reinforce the frame, in some cases, to help better retain a lens in the goggle frame. The arms may nest within a groove, cut out or other feature in the goggle frame, e.g., to enhance the aerodynamic performance or aesthetic appearance of the goggle. The arms may closely follow and/or continue a smooth natural contour of the goggle frame, e.g., to make the arms less obtrusive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen P. Cleary, Scott Oliver, Joseph R. McNeal, Christopher G. Miller, Michael J. Roestel
  • Patent number: 6732384
    Abstract: A urine collector is comprised of a container with an electric suction pump. A hose extending from the pump is connected to a funnel for collecting urine. The funnel is comprised of an interchangeable female or male funnel. The female funnel is comprised of a cup with an elongated and curved opening for closely fitting under and against a vulva. The male funnel is comprised of a penis-shaped tube with a resilient sealing ring around an open end for sealing around an inserted penis. The funnel can be positioned against the body through a fly in the pants, through a loosened waistband, or under a dress. Urine deposited in the funnel is rapidly drawn into the container by the pump even when the funnel and the top end of the tube are angled up and define an initially uphill path for the urine, such as when the user is seated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Barbara Scott
  • Patent number: 6732385
    Abstract: A drain stopper includes a suction cup. The drain stopper is configured to block a drain opening and prevent water from entering the drain. The suction cup allows the drain stopper to be stored on a variety of surfaces, such as a vertical bathtub wall. In one form, the suction cup is on the bottom of the drain stopper and fits within the drain opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: WKI Holding Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Henderson, Wilfrido Loor
  • Patent number: 6732386
    Abstract: A rinse fluid valve for use in a vacuum toilet system is disclosed. The vacuum toilet system includes a waste receptacle with a rinse fluid dispenser associated therewith and a source of rinse fluid. The rinse fluid valve has a housing with an inlet in fluid communication with the rinse fluid source and an outlet in fluid communication with the rinse fluid dispenser. A flow path extends from the inlet to the outlet. A moveable rinse fluid valve member is disposed in the flow path and movable between open and closed positions. A fuse valve is also disposed in the flow path and has a normally open position to allow fluid flow therethrough. The fuse valve is actuatable to a closed position after a desired volume of fluid has passed therethrough, thereby to cease rinse fluid flow through the flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Evac International Oy
    Inventors: William B. Anderson, Douglas M. Wallace, Jay D. Stradinger, Mark A. Pondelick, Michael B. Hancock, Arthur J. McGowan, Jr., Ian Tinkler
  • Patent number: 6732387
    Abstract: A pedicure treatment system includes a receptacle for immersion treatment with jet action. A recirculating circuit is coupled to a source of sanitizing agent through a metering pump. Different automated sanitizing modes are carried out according to programmed recirculation of the sanitizing agent. Automated fill control with level sensors and power drain features are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Belvedere USA Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Waldron
  • Patent number: 6732388
    Abstract: An overflow system suitable for use in controlling the level of water in, for example, a bathtub (3) is described. The overflow system comprises a conduit attached to the overflow outlet (21) of the bathtub (3) and is arranged so that when the bathtub (3) is overfilled, any excessive flow rate of overflow water through the conduit (19) is detected. The excessive flow rate is detected by arranging for the outlet (25) of the conduit to have a smaller maximum flow rate than the inlet (23) of the conduit so that water backs up within the conduit during an excessive flow rate condition. The backed up water may be detected by a reed switch (31) in conjunction with a magnetic float (27) in order to actuate a solenoid valve (9) to prevent any more water from entering the bathtub (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Watersave Enterprises Limited
    Inventor: Malachi C. McKenna
  • Patent number: 6732389
    Abstract: A bed sheet with predetermined regions of friction material for aiding any person, and in particular the elderly, disabled, and frail, in sexual activity and in changing body position, for example, in shifting from lying on the stomach to lying on the back. A traction area across the foot of the bed sheet allows individuals to gain better traction with their feet, ankles, and legs. Any substance may be used to make the traction areas, including mildly abrasive materials in a flexible matrix, latex, and hypoallergenic plastic. The bed sheet with traction areas is washable and, preferably, non-allergenic. The traction areas may blend with the color and composition of the sheet so that the effect is esthetically pleasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Edwin Drexler
  • Patent number: 6732390
    Abstract: An improved mounting apparatus for a lateral rotation therapeutic bed is provided that facilitates access to the patient and connection and disconnection of patient care lines to and from a patient on the bed. A therapeutic bed is described comprising a base frame, a patient support platform rotatably mounted on the base frame for rotational movement about a longitudinal rotational axis of the patient support platform, and a drive system for rotating the patient support platform on the base frame. An upright end ring at the head end of the bed is split into an upper section and a lower section. The upper section is removable from the lower section, allowing improved access to the head of the patient and to allow placement or removal of the patient from the bed by removal of patient care lines from the end ring without removing the patient care lines from the patient or the equipment to which the lines are attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Wladyslaw H. Krywiczanin
  • Patent number: 6732391
    Abstract: A frameless chair comprising: a flexible, substantially spherical outer liner, wherein the outer liner is at least partially gas permeable, and a plurality of polyurethane foam pieces retained within the outer liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Comfort Research, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel C. George, II
  • Patent number: 6732392
    Abstract: A combination cork extractor and foil cutter comprising an elongated handle having first and second ends, a cork extractor being pivotably connected to the handle adjacent the first end thereof. An arcuate shaped member has first and second spaced apart accurate shaped portions positioned at the second end of the elongated handle. The first accurate shaped first portion is spring biased in a position whereby a space is formed between the first and second arcuate shaped portions. A first cutter is secured on the first arcuate shaped portion and a second cutter is secured on the second arcuate shaped portion. A protrusion is formed on the first arcuate shaped portion enabling a user to force the first and second arcuate shaped portions together thus engaging the foil wrapped around the neck of a bottle positioned therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Neil J. Kay
  • Patent number: 6732393
    Abstract: A pair of pin press-connecting pliers. The pliers include a first handle and a second handle pivot connected via a connecting seat. The first handle is provided on the inner side thereof with a guiding portion. A first press-connecting portion is provided in the guiding portion, and a linking member connects the first press-connecting portion with the second press-connecting portion. A second press-connecting portion is fixedly provided on the tailing end of the guiding portion via a die block. The connecting seat has at least a concave portion at the press connecting area of the first and the second handles for resting a wire thereon, and has a knife provided on a corresponding handle for peeling or cutting wire in cooperation with the concave portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Hanlong Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chien-Chou Liao
  • Patent number: 6732394
    Abstract: A positionable body scrubbing device for scrubbing various parts of a user's body. The positionable body scrubbing device includes a housing that has an interior and first and second opposed ends. A motor having a motor shaft is mounted in the interior of the housing. A power supply is mounted in the housing and electrically connected to the motor for selectively providing power to the motor. An actuator is mounted on the housing and electrically connected to the motor for selectively controlling the motor. A securing assembly designed for securing the housing to the wall surface is mounted to the second end of the housing. A cleaning assembly is rotatably mounted to the motor shaft, wherein a user presses their body against the cleaning assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Charles W. Waterman
  • Patent number: 6732395
    Abstract: A contour scraper has an elongated handle having an upper curved convex surface and two arcuate elongated concave lower surfaces and outwardly proximately flared sides to provide a grip construction, and a transversely distally disposed blade receiving surface. A two-edged blade is readily reversibly detachably attached to the handle without the need for removing a locking screw. The handle grip has an over molded soft elastomeric cover. The handle is formed with a distal end slotted recess to slidably receive a file. A rare earth magnet of high magnetic strength magnetically holds and stows the file in the handle. The handle is formed with a through hole to access the magnetically stowed file for removal through the end slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Donald Gringer
  • Patent number: 6732396
    Abstract: A self-wringing ratchet mop including an elongated handle, a mop head having mop strands supported on the handle, and a wringing mechanism for wringing the mop strands. The wringing mechanism includes a sleeve attached to the mop strands and supported for longitudinal and rotational movement relative to the handle. The handle includes a first ratchet portion formed by teeth and the sleeve includes a second ratchet portion formed by pawl members for engaging the first ratchet portion to permit the sleeve to rotate in a first direction and prevent rotation in a second, opposite direction. The pawl members are supported on a deformable resilient ring wherein deformation of the ring causes the pawl members to disengage from the first ratchet portion and permit rotation of the sleeve in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: O-Cedar Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Laux, David Hunt, Robert Roth
  • Patent number: 6732397
    Abstract: An attachment for fastening a brush to a shoe. The attachment having a first (horizontal) flange extending to a second (vertical) flange. The first flange attaching to the sole of the shoe, with the second flange attaching to a wiping element such as a brush. The attachment could alternatively be provided with a disk-like single flange having threading allowing the attachment to be screwed into a standard golf shoe threaded spike hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Dean Jeffery Thompson
  • Patent number: 6732398
    Abstract: The bristles have a stepped configuration with a top portion with a uniform diameter of approximately 0.005 inches, a middle portion with a uniform diameter of approximately 0.006 inches and a base portion having a uniform diameter of approximately 0.007 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Thomas P. McConnell
  • Patent number: 6732399
    Abstract: Wiper apparatus and method, in particular for a motor vehicle, having a wiper arm (10) that is connectable to a wiper blade (13) on its one end (12) and, in the region of its other end (14), is connected to a tensioning element (22) that presses the one end (12) of the wiper arm (13) in the direction of a wiped surface (20) using a force F, whereby a calibrating element, in particular an eccentric bolt (30), is provided to adjust the force F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Zimmer
  • Patent number: 6732400
    Abstract: A wiper system (1) for vehicles, having at least one wiper lever assembly (7) that has at least one wiper arm (26) and that has a first pivot lever (9) that can be coupled in a manner fixed against relative rotation to a stationary first shaft (19) and a second pivot lever (11) that is freely rotatable about a stationary second shaft (23), is proposed. The first pivot lever (9) is connected via a first joint (15) and the second pivot lever (11) via a second joint (17) to the coupling element (13). The wiper system (1) furthermore has a drive device (29), which has a drive shaft (31) disposed at a distance from the first and second shafts (19, 23); with the aid of the drive shaft, at least one toggle link (37) can be shifted in oscillating fashion, and the toggle link (37) is connected via a joint (43) to a coupling part (45) that is coupled to the first shaft (19) in a manner fixed against relative rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Zimmer
  • Patent number: 6732401
    Abstract: A wiper arm for motor vehicles having a driveable mounting arm (4) for connection to a motor vehicle, and a wiper bar (6) hinge-mounted on the mounting arm (4), which said wiper bar has a connecting hook (8) for attaching a wiper blade, whereby the connecting hook (8) has a first hook leg (19) having a thickness DA, and a second hook leg (21) opposite to the first hook leg (19) and interconnected with the first hook leg (19), which said second hook leg (21) has a thickness DE, whereby thickness DE is less than thickness DA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Harald Rapp
  • Patent number: 6732402
    Abstract: The present invention provides a structure of a dustpan. The above-mentioned dustpan is with a liftable cover. According to this invention, excluding the practical convenience to users, the garbage, such as hair, dust and unsightly filth, can be efficiently sealed in the dustpan of this invention. Moreover, the present invention can provide a simple and fast mechanism for opening and closing the liftable cover by an operation at the handle of the dustpan. Therefore, this invention can provide a hygienic and convenient dustpan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Che Chi Hsu