Patents Issued in June 15, 2004
  • Patent number: 6748647
    Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing or processing articles includes smart microcontroller boards which cooperate with sensors and a communication system to monitor and control manufacturing processes. Microcontroller boards disposed within a container create a microprocessor module which is secured to the apparatus for controlling the same responsive to information provided to them. Sensors are provided for monitoring operation of the apparatus and providing such information to the microcontroller boards. The communication system provides for communication between the sensors and the microcontroller boards, among microcontroller boards and between the microcontroller boards and other portions of the apparatus which are to be subjected to responsive control. In a preferred embodiment, the microcontroller boards are positioned within a container which is secured in a recess in the apparatus and has an overlying material covering the boards. A plurality of microcontroller modules may be employed in a system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Oberg Industries
    Inventors: Ronald R. Fox, Samuel A. Rummel
  • Patent number: 6748648
    Abstract: In a component placement machine, a placement head (4) is driven by a linear motor (5). The stationary part (7) of the motor is attached to the machine frame (1) on which a PCB (8) is attached. The movable part (6) of the motor is connected to a slide (2) on which the placement head (4) is attached. During driving the placement bead, reactive forces of the motor generate vibrations in the stationary part (7) of the motor and thus in the machine frame (20). This causes inaccuracies during the placement of components (9) on the PCB (8). To diminish this problem, the reactive forces are intercepted in a separate force frame (10) which is dynamically disconnected from the machine frame (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Hubertus Antonius Van De Rijdt
  • Patent number: 6748649
    Abstract: A holding head includes an axially driveable shaft having a nozzle at one end of the shaft for holding a component, a motor for driving the shaft in an axial direction in response to power supplied to the motor, and a detecting device for detecting movement of the shall in the axial direction. A method of operating the component holding head comprises using the detecting device to detect movement of the shaft in the axial direction resulting from the shaft being driven by the motor, and controlling power supplied to the motor in response to the movement of the shaft as detected by the detecting device such that the distance that the shaft is driven by the motor in the axial direction is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Okuda, Akira Kabeshita, Satoshi Shida, Makoto Sueki
  • Patent number: 6748650
    Abstract: A circuit assembly comprises a substrate comprising one or more conductors. An integral frame of frame elements supports the substrate. The frame elements spaced apart to expose intervening regions of the substrate between adjacent frame elements. A dielectric layer overlies the intervening regions, as a protective barrier for at least one of the conductors, a component, and a circuit feature of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Harvinder Singh
  • Patent number: 6748651
    Abstract: This method includes punching a bus-bar pattern out of a conductive metal sheet. A bus bar terminal piece is punched out of the remaining material in the conductive metal sheet. An electrical connection is formed between the bus-bar pattern and the bus-bar terminal piece using male and female connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Miyajima, Shin Hasegawa, Yoshiaki Sawaki
  • Patent number: 6748652
    Abstract: Through holes formed in an electrical insulating substrate having adhesive layers on its both surfaces are filled with a conductor. Then, supporting bases having wiring layers with a predetermined pattern are laminated on both the surfaces of the electrical insulating substrate, which are then heated and pressurized. After that, the supporting bases are removed, thus obtaining a circuit board in which the wiring layers have been embedded in the adhesive layers. The conductor within the through holes are compressed sufficiently, thus forming minute via holes with high reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daizou Andou, Toshio Sugawa, Tadashi Nakamura, Hideki Higashitani, Masahide Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 6748653
    Abstract: A method of making a temporary medical electrical lead for pacing or defibrillating a heart of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Fredric W. Lindemans, Ursula Gebhardt, Marc Hendriks
  • Patent number: 6748654
    Abstract: A cutting process S1 cuts a wire 1 into cut pieces each having a volume approximately equivalent to that of a desired shoe 11. A forging process S2 sequentially forges cut pieces 2 with forging dies 13, 23, and 33 having three cavities 13c, 23d, and 33e respectively, and obtains a steel sphere 8. A finishing process S3 obtains a shoe-shaped material 10 from the steel sphere 8 without a heat treatment, and carries out a heat treatment to the obtained material 10, thereby to obtain a shoe 11 for a compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Masanobu Tomita, Takamitsu Mukai, Yasuhiro Miura
  • Patent number: 6748655
    Abstract: A method for producing, by forming techniques, an undercut profile in the outer circumferential face of cylinder liners to be cast in place in a crankcase, characterized by the introduction of a bracing inner core into the cavity of a cylinder liner, the introduction of the cylinder liner equipped with bracing inner core into a first forming die equipped on its working faces with a serrated profile, the pressing of the first forming die against the outer circumferential face of the cylinder liner, thus producing a complementary profile in the outer circumferential face, the introduction of the cylinder liner equipped with bracing inner core into a second forming die equipped on its working faces with a smooth surface, and the pressing of the second forming die against the outer circumferential face of the cylinder liner equipped with the complementary profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Peak Werkstoff GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Dickmann, Udo Kempken, Erik Mertner, Rolf Schattevoy
  • Patent number: 6748656
    Abstract: The method and apparatus for manufacturing of folded-fin heat sink assemblies provide laser welding of the folded-fin assembly to the base, core or other heat-absorbing mass, at selected locations, prior to brazing or otherwise bonding. This ensures proper positioning of the folded-fin assembly relative to the heat-absorbing mass, and proper spacing between adjacent fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Klaus W. Woerner, Ross D. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 6748657
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an ink jet recording head, which is provided with a first base plate having energy generating elements, a second base plate having grooves for forming ink flow paths corresponding to the energy generating elements, and a discharge port forming member for forming discharge ports for discharging ink. The method includes the steps of forming the discharge ports by irradiating the discharge port forming member with laser light reflected from the groove wall faces, and direct laser light, and forming the flow paths by bonding the base plate and the second base plate with the grooves inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Okazaki, Shunichi Watanabe, Tsutomu Abe, Koichi Omata, Hirotaka Miyazaki, Ryo Shimamura
  • Patent number: 6748659
    Abstract: A safety knife construction (10) including: a mounting member (20) affixed to the bottom of a conventional utility knife (100) having a cutting blade (101) retractably disposed in a knife sheath (104) under the influence of a push button (102) and, a wheeled arm member (30) pivotally connected to the mounting member (20) and normally disposed in a closed covering relationship with the cutting blade (101) under the influence of a spring element (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Raymond L. Street
  • Patent number: 6748660
    Abstract: For a power cut-off saw, a debris-collection device pivotably mountable to the cut-off saw. The device has a collection chamber with a top slot and a front slot in communication with the top slot. Both slots are adapted to receive the cut-off saw blade; the front slot is adapted to capture dust from the cut. A debris-control component may, but need not, cover the top slot and permits entry of the saw blade but prevents dust from escaping. A discharge arm on the top of the collection chamber has a hollow channel which communicates with the collection chamber and facilitates the discharge of dust from the collection chamber by an externally connected vacuum source which suctions out the collected dust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventors: John P. Buser, Terry R. Alley
  • Patent number: 6748661
    Abstract: A shock absorbing blade stop for a folding knife comprising; an elongated, cylinder shaped body, with o-ring grooves provided near its opposite ends. O-rings of a resilient material affixed to the o-ring grooves and the completed assembly located within the handle frames of a folding knife by means of location holes provided in the handle frames for that purpose. Location holes are of an inside diameter closely corresponding to the outside diameter of the mounted o-rings thereby producing a shock absorbing effect in response to the impact of a fast opening blade colliding against the blade stop. An enlarged center section of the blade stop is provided with an increased diameter slightly larger than the locating holes of the handle frames so as to capture the blade stop within the space between handle frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Grant Woodrow Hawk
  • Patent number: 6748662
    Abstract: A hairdressing scissor assembly includes at least two pair of scissors each having a first scissor element and a second scissor element pivoted to the first scissor element. Each of the first scissor element and the second scissor element includes a handle. A first engaging element is formed on a first side of a first connecting member and releasably engaged with a side of one of the handles of one of the pairs of scissors. A second engaging element is formed on a second side of the first connecting member and releasably engaged with the other side of one of said handles of the other pair of scissors. The first connecting member can be replaced by a second connecting member having a thickness different from that of the first connecting member, thereby allowing a change in a spacing between the pairs of scissors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Wen-Ya Yeh
  • Patent number: 6748663
    Abstract: A lopper used to perform lopping, pruning and similar operations includes a lopping head having a spring-biased blade cooperating with a jaw, a drive mechanism connected to the lopping head and an elongate housing connected to the drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Fiskars Consumer Oy AB
    Inventor: Erkki Olavi Lindén
  • Patent number: 6748664
    Abstract: A gear head for a manually guided power implement is provided. Part of the tool shaft, which receives a rotatable cutting tool, is embodied as a cylindrical splined shaft having grooves for the positive transmission of torque to the cutting tool. An abutment plate is disposed on the tool shaft and has an abutment surface that extends essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool shaft. A centering cylinder extends through a circular central opening of the cutting tool and has inwardly directed longitudinal ribs that engage in the grooves of these splined shaft. A free end of the centering cylinder is provided with a beveled portion that extends from an outer contour of the cylinder to into the grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co.
    Inventors: Rudolf Dirks, Klaus Langhans
  • Patent number: 6748665
    Abstract: This invention describes an illuminated spirit level that can be used in an aircraft to determine aircraft attitude as well as aircraft direction. The invention essentially comprises three levels arranged in the shape of a cross with bubble vials in each of the left and right “wings” and a bubble vial in the forward section of the central level. The levels would have a battery-operated power source to keep the device illuminated in the event that the electrical controls of the plane malfunction. Additionally, the bubble vials would contain a glow-in-the-dark fluid in case of battery failure. The spirit level could be secured to the top of the dash or alternatively, could be mounted within the instrument control panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Ronny Lee Samp
  • Patent number: 6748666
    Abstract: A spirit level comprising a body having a level face for setting a surface, at least one bubble vial mounted in the body, the bubble vial having a longitudinal axis generally perpendicular to the level face, and an optical transfer element fixed to the body which transfers an image of the bubble vial to a viewing plane generally parallel to the level face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Kapro Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Duane William Zugel, Emanuel Szumer
  • Patent number: 6748667
    Abstract: The apparatus forms a combined locating pin and gage for supporting and measuring two pieces of an assembly. The method for using the apparatus includes measuring an opening within each piece of the assembly using the limit gage portion of the apparatus and then locating the pieces together to form a temporary assembly using the gage as the shank of the locating pin portion of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a handle and a shank extending from the handle. In order to use the locating pin and gage apparatus, the mid-section of the shank forms a limit gage and has an outer diameter of a fixed dimension for measuring an opening within the two pieces of the assembly. If the diameter of each opening is within the predetermined limit set for the openings, then the handle of the apparatus is rotated in either direction, correspondingly rotating the lower locking section and causing the locking section to contact the lower piece, effectively temporarily and positively locking the assembly together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: L&L Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicolae Radu Sevastian
  • Patent number: 6748668
    Abstract: A variable tread and rise router template for cutting mortises in stair stringers to receive stair treads and risers which is generally triangular in shape having truncated corners and planar in configuration and a tread slot and a riser slot joining the tread slot at a right angle. The template body cuts complementary stringers, routing a first stringer, flipping the generally planar body from one working surface to its opposite working surface, and routing the other stringer. The template body has registration points slidably mounted within the template body to extend downward from the planar body when working from either working surface and a clamp assembly, each positioned to correspond with a corner portion of the template body. The registration assemblies are adjustable to determine tread and riser. The clamp assembly may be released and tightened at another desired stringer position to make the next mortise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Randall Huff
  • Patent number: 6748669
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a drying machine (10) comprising a frame structure (12), means for propelling air, and means for directing air. In this embodiment the drying machine (10) includes a flexible skirt (14) mounted about a perimeter of the frame structure (12). The frame structure (12) is a wing-type platform which includes an underlying cavity (16) which is substantially enclosed by the flexible skirt (14) to permit hovering of the frame structure (12). The propelling means includes a motor (18) which is operatively coupled to a fan (20) via a gearbox (22). The frame structure (12) is fabricated so as to define a duct (32) about the propeller (20) and the duct (32) provides a flow of air to both a main flow passage (34) and an auxiliary flow passage (36) which are separated by a dividing wall or splitter plate (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen Peter Burgess
  • Patent number: 6748670
    Abstract: Method of drying a medium for producing a porous matrix from a solution, a paste, an extract, a granulated material or such, where a liquid inert agent is fed into a vessel (5) at controlled pressure and amount through a valve (7), transferring the pressurized liquid inert agent to a mixing vessel (4), said mixing vessel (4) also receiving the solution, such as paste, extract or granulated material, through an inlet valve (10), adjusting the pressure and temperature inside the mixing vessel (4) to desired levels by a release valve (6), upon complete mixing of the inert agent with the solution, the mixture is expanded into a porous matrix and injected into a drying circuit through a drying chamber (3), the matrix thereby being kept suspended in the drying chamber by the flowing drying medium, supplied by the blower (2), the matrix moisture being removed from the mixture through a heat exchanger coil comprising a first heat exchanger (11) where the water vapour is condensed and removed from the circuit and fina
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: DTech AS
    Inventors: Ola Jonassen, Ingvald Strømmen, Per Arne Schieflo, Odilio Alves-Filho
  • Patent number: 6748671
    Abstract: This invention provides a dried singulated cellulose pulp fiber product as well as an apparatus and a method for forming singulated and dried fibers. In accordance with the process a feed pulp is delivered to a jet drier. The jet drier singulates and dries the feed pulp. The singulated and dried fibers are collected from the jet drier. The feed pulp may be treated with a treatment substance. The jet drier may be maintained at negative pressure. The product fibers may have low knot count, a low fines count, as well improved kink, curl and twist. The apparatus for carrying out the process may include a pretreatment station for supplying the treatment substance, a pulp feed device designed for pulp, a pulp feed device designed for pulp and foam suspensions, and/or a fiber separation station having a vacuum conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventors: Michael David Vrbanac, Ramon Charles Dezutter, Brian Wester, Michael James Yancey
  • Patent number: 6748672
    Abstract: A wafer dryer for use in a semiconductor cleaning apparatus includes an internal bath, an external bath, a solution supply line, a solution drain line, a pump, and drying means. The solution drain line has a first drain line and a second drain line. A pump for constantly maintaining a speed of a drained solution is installed on the first drain line. The drying means has an isopropyl alcohol (IPA) nozzle, a first gas spray nozzle for spraying N2 gas, and a second spray nozzle. The second spray nozzle is installed on all inner sidewalls of the external bath and has a plurality of holes. Thus, no wave is produced at a surface of the drained solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: DNS Korea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-Hee Lee, Sang-Wha Lee
  • Patent number: 6748673
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method, system and shoe for determining the fit of a shoe from outside the shoe wherein the shoe has an outsole with reference marks such that when the bottom of a person's foot is placed against the outsole, the reference marks can be used to determine the proper fit of the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventors: H. Kevin Coplon, Will St. Onge
  • Patent number: 6748674
    Abstract: A construction for a shoe, particularly an athletic shoe such as a running shoe, includes a sole that is constructed according to an ideal stability plane. Such a shoe sole conforms to the natural shape of the foot, particularly the sides, and has a constant thickness in frontal plane cross sections; the thickness of the shoe sole sides contour equals the thickness of the load-bearing sole portion and therefore varies as the thickness of the load-bearing sole portion varies. Natural stability is provided in negative heel shoe soles that are less thick in the heel area than in the rest of the shoe sole. Also provided is natural stability in flat shoe soles that have no heel lift, maintaining the same thickness throughout. The design avoids excessive structural rigidity by using contoured stability sides abbreviated to only essential structural support elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Anatomic Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Frampton E. Ellis, III
  • Patent number: 6748675
    Abstract: A sole assembly (1) for a sports shoe includes an upper layer (10), a middle layer (20) and a lower layer (30), which are integral with each other. The upper layer (10) and the lower layer (30) are formed of soft elastic materials, such as foamed rubber or the like. The middle layer (20) has a sheet (22) formed of synthetic resin or synthetic rubber with a hardness greater than that of the upper layer (10) and the lower layer (30). The sheet (22) has a plurality of protrusions or cleats (21) of truncated cone-shape that protrude downwardly and that are formed integrally with the sheet (22). The lower layer (30) has a plurality of through holes (31) receiving respective cleats (21) for insertion thereinto. The lower layer (30) made of a soft elastic member secures gripping properties and shock absorbing properties. An edge portion of a distal end (21a) of the cleat (21) advances the gripping properties by contacting the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Mizuno Corporation
    Inventor: Natsuki Sato
  • Patent number: 6748676
    Abstract: A footbed for sport footwear made of a shell, which defines the general shape of the footwear. The footbed has a sole portion and a padding wall for partially separating the sides and back of a wearer's foot from the shell. The padding wall partially cups the wearer's heel and extending from the back of the wearer's foot along each side of the heel, along each side of the midfoot and along each side of the forefoot. The footbed is adapted for determining the size of the footwear in terms of width. The footbed may further comprise a toe wall portion for determining the size of the footwear in terms of length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Bauer Nike Hockey Inc.
    Inventor: François Chenevert
  • Patent number: 6748677
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sole with at least one receptacle and at least one stud, which can be releasably mounted within the receptacle by inserting a fastening projection of the stud into the receptacle. The fastening projection includes a first locking member, and the receptacle includes a flexible wall having a second locking member. The flexible wall is deflected when the fastening projection is inserted into the receptacle until the first and the second locking members engage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: adidas International B.V.
    Inventors: Antoine Briant, Erwin Friedrich Saur
  • Patent number: 6748678
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for removing snow, including a conveyor mounted at an angle with respect to a travel direction of the apparatus. The conveyor is rotatably mounted to a frame and can be driven to throw snow laterally with respect to a travel direction of the vehicle to which the apparatus is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Schmidt Engineering and Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Jan Verseef
  • Patent number: 6748679
    Abstract: Apparatus for dredging shellfish from the bottom of a body of water includes a source of pressurized water, at least one water jet arranged to receive water from the pressurized water source and direct it at shellfish-containing sediments, sorting plates for receiving the shellfish-containing sediments excavated by the at least one water jet and separating the shellfish from the sediments, a collection chamber for receiving the separated shellfish, and dual lifting compartments, one of which is connected to the pressurized water source for lifting shellfish from the collection chamber and entraining the shellfish for transport to the surface, and the other of which is arranged to received pressurized air for increasing the transport speed and lifting power while cushioning the shellfish as they are transported to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Arthur R. Myers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6748680
    Abstract: Thermally controlled apparatus 1 for actuating a valve opening 2, in particular a fluid valve, in particular a drip-stop valve in a steam iron, the apparatus having a bimetallic spring disc 3 fastened to a carrier element 4, the edge 5 or edge region of which disc opens or closes the valve opening depending on the curvature position of the bimetallic spring disc 3. The valve opening is formed through a cross-sectionally variable segment 6 of a tube- or pipe-like flow-through element 7, and the edge 5 or edge region of the bimetallic spring disc 3 acts directly on the cross-sectionally variable segment 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Intercontrol Hermann Kohler Elektrik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lutz Pahlke, Stefan Trapp
  • Patent number: 6748681
    Abstract: An illuminated badge system has plastic top and bottom plates limited flexibility. The top plate has a front face and a side wall extending inwardly and with a lip extending radially outward from the wall. The bottom plate has a rectilinear rear face and a peripheral wall extending inwardly from the rear face with a lip extending radially from the peripheral wall thereby forming a recessed back portion whereby when the front plate and the bottom plate are coupled together a top chamber and a peripheral space with a dam portion are formed. Upon breaking of an ampule located within the top chamber, a first chemiluminescent liquid located within the peripheral space intermixes with a second chemiluminescent liquid located within the ampule and the intermixed liquids fill the peripheral space, excluding the dam portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Dorney
  • Patent number: 6748682
    Abstract: A system and method of incorporating a vehicle license plate into a larger, final message by attaching one or more message panels to all exterior of a motor vehicle, such as the bumper, in combination with a license plate of the motor vehicle. At least one message panel is attached to the exterior of the motor vehicle adjacent to a license plate. File message panels may be in sign, sticker, or magnet form and may be place before, alter above, and/or below the license plate. The message panels may have message panel background designs or additional text that continues the license plate background design and/or message. For example, a first message panel stating a global computer network address prefix, e.g., “www.”, may be placed before a license plate while a second message panel stating a global computer network address suffix, e.g., “.com”, may be placed after the license plate to convey a global computer network address to a viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Bradford L. Sims
  • Patent number: 6748683
    Abstract: A boat antenna flag system comprises a boat antenna, the boat antenna has a base end and a free end. A flag is provided. The flag has a free end and a fixed end. The fixed end has a plurality of apertures reinforced with grommets. A lower end retention device is also provided. The lower end retention device is adapted to set the height of the flag on the antenna. An upper end retention device is further provided. The upper end retention device is adapted to prevent the flag from coming off the antenna. Provided last is a one piece coupling device for the antenna, flag and retention devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Phillip Alonzo Schultz
  • Patent number: 6748684
    Abstract: The invention provides a display unit for displaying two or more consecutively changing images, the unit including a curved lenticular panel having front and rear faces; a displaceable, lightweight, image-carrying film spread out along the rear face; an electric drive coupled to the film for periodically displacing the film across the lenses of the panel, and guide means facilitating the smooth reciprocating movement of the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: M. V. T. Multi Vision Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Itzchak Bar-Yona
  • Patent number: 6748685
    Abstract: A scroll-type display sign is provided, including a frame, a first fixed shaft connected on the frame, a second fixed shaft connected on the frame parallel spaced from the first shaft, a first scroll roller rotatably mounted on the first shaft, a second scroll roller rotatably mounted on the second shaft, a signage web connected on the first and second scroll rollers, a drive sprocket affixed with the first scroll roller and mounted on the first shaft, a spring sprocket affixed with the second scroll roller and mounted on the second shaft, a constant force spring connected with the spring sprocket to tension the signage web, and a motor torsionally connected with said drive sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: United Sign Company
    Inventor: Ronald Brian Peel
  • Patent number: 6748686
    Abstract: A channel letter has a rear surface for mounting against a raceway, wall, or a structure for supporting the signage, and sheet metal sides defining the figuration of the letter of shape to be depicted. A lighting element is positioned against the rear surface of the enclosure, and a lens is retained to the open front of the enclosure. The lens is retained by a plurality of retainer clips to a shoulder recessed within the walls of the enclosure and a cable between opposing walls provides lateral support to the walls. Each of the retainer clips has a first and a second leg extending from a back with the legs spaced a distance sufficient for the legs to fit around the end of the sheet metal of the walls. A partially flexible finger extends from one of the legs into the space between the legs so a to wedge against a surface of the sheet metal wall and thereby retain the retainer clip to the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventors: Anton Grate, Cheryl Grate
  • Patent number: 6748687
    Abstract: A multi-layer, multi-web, laser printable, form with an identification band blank comprises a multi-layered web die cut with a first paper label portion for receiving a printed image and an adhesive backed transparent film layer approximately twice the width of the paper layer so that upon separation from a carrier, the transparent film may be folded over and completely encapsulate the paper layer to moisture proof it and protect it. The transparent film layer includes a pair of adhesive backed tabs at the ends to facilitate its attachment about a patient's wrist or ankle. Multiple wristbands, or identification band blanks, are included on the same sheet to provide a form that is particularly suited for a pediatric admission. In an alternate embodiment, a panel is die cut into the transparent film layer so that upon separation of the wristband from the form, the panel remains adhered and it pulls away to form a window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Laser Band, LLC
    Inventor: James M. Riley
  • Patent number: 6748688
    Abstract: A housing for mounting a collector plate comprises, in a preferred embodiment, a base with at least one concave recess, a plurality of clamps disposed about the periphery of the recess and an opening in a rear surface of the base. In a preferred embodiment, the clamps have plate-engaging surfaces which are biased toward the recess such as by springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: John L. Matara
  • Patent number: 6748689
    Abstract: Integral extensions to aid in the extraction of ammunition magazines from ammunition pouches are provided in three embodiments. In this embodiment, the sides of an ammunition magazine are extended, either by molding or affixing a handle directly to the sides of the magazine, to provide a handle. This embodiment provides a more steam-lined handle adapted for use specifically in the extraction of magazines from ammunition pouches and other storage means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Mark Fitzpatrick
  • Patent number: 6748690
    Abstract: A decoy for attracting waterfowl having an upper body portion adjustably pivotally connected to a keel by an attachment device. The attachment device allows the keel to be alternatively oriented and locked into a variety of desired positions and orientations. This allows the decoys to maintain a non-parallel orientation between the keel and the upper body and allows the decoy to maintain a desired orientation within a body of water when acted upon by a wind or water current. An anchor connected to the keel provides a means for maintaining the decoy in a generally fixed location. This combination of features allows the orientation of a group of decoys to be varied so as to provide a desired natural looking presentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Matthew C. Igo
  • Patent number: 6748691
    Abstract: A light weight wrist brace for anglers of all ages that is inherently self-adjusting and shock absorbing by virtue of its use of a flexure formed as an arcuate resilient connecting member. The connecting member is intermediate a forearm rest or cradle and a fastener adapted for connection to the handle of a fishing rod. The invention can be simply and easily molded as a single part from well-known thermoplastic materials using skills and techniques well known in the arts of plastic forming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: David A. Doucette
  • Patent number: 6748692
    Abstract: A spinner bait, including a head, a hook, a pair of legs, and two or more spinner blades extending from the pair of legs. The hook extends from the rearward end of the head. The legs each have a front end and a rearward end, and the front ends of the legs are connected to the front end of the head. The legs extend rearward over the top surface of the head and toward and around the hook. In so doing, the legs simulate the legs and/or body of a marine animal on which fish feed, and the legs also help conceal the hook and prevent its pointed end from getting snagged on objects under the surface of a body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Travis Sprouse
  • Patent number: 6748693
    Abstract: Live bait colorized with opaque and/or phosphorescent materials to luminesce and exhibit enhanced coloration when suspended within a body of water. In one process, the back of the bait is coated with a suspension mixture (e.g. 30% glow powder and 70% carrier) of a phosphorescent pigment and cured at an elevated temperature. In another process, the back of the bait is coated with a phosphorescent powder that is fixed with a spray applied clear coat and/or adhesive. The coating is subjected for a brief period to a curing temperature in excess of room temperature to set the paint and/or clear coat and/or adhesive. Multiple coatings or combinations of suspension mixtures and powdered coatings provide desired colorized live bait without deleteriously affecting the bodily functions of the bait.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventors: Gary Snyder, David L. Riess
  • Patent number: 6748694
    Abstract: A breakaway line 10 is disclosed which fails at a predetermined tension level, and when interposed between a fishing lure 14 and hook 12, may be used to allow the lure 14 to be pulled from the hook 12 in the event of hook 12 snagging. The failure level of the breakaway line 10 is chosen to occur at a slightly lower tension level than that of the associated leading fishing line 18 attaching the lure 14 to the rod and reel. In use, the coupling that is supplied with the lure 14 is first removed and the breakaway line 10 is installed in its place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Michael McCann Darling
  • Patent number: 6748695
    Abstract: The chemoluminescent bait container designed to illuminate live bait contained within the bait container. The bait container may be a portable bait bucket or a permanently installed live well, and is characterized in that at least a part is formed of a chemoluminescent material, such as formed by mixing a thermoplastic polymer with chemoluminescent particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas John Vento
  • Patent number: 6748696
    Abstract: A self-automated mushroom growing apparatus and method for providing a continuous water and air supply for growing mushrooms on a small-scale. The apparatus is an enclosed, terrarium-like Grow Space including a porous Wicking Medium substrate, and an Air Diffuser rod situated within or below the porous Wicking Medium. An Air Diffuser is situated within the apparatus and is connected to an air supply to provide fresh air to the Grow Space. The porous Wicking Medium is saturated with water. The saturated Wicking Medium provides a continuous supply of water to a Cake Culture in contact with the Wicking Medium. The Air Supply mixes stale air that settles near the surface of the porous Wicking Medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Tony F. Davidson
  • Patent number: 6748697
    Abstract: The invention provides a novel and unique drainage article that is removably attachable onto an object that inadvertently drips water there from, such as for use when watering a hanging plant or the like. The article may simply comprise one sheet of non-pervious water resistant material with attachment hooks or the like thereon, or the article may incorporate an additional sheet of material used in combination. Also different optional features may be included, such as indicia for measuring drainage water, drainage options, a sponge, informational pocket, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventors: Cathy D. Santa Cruz, Edward A Carwin