Patents Issued in July 8, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040128929
    Abstract: A roof ridge cover system for efficiently constructing a durable and weatherproof roof ridge cover. The roof ridge cover system includes a base member formed to fit upon a roof ridge, a support member extending from the base member, and a cover member attached to the support member defining a first slot and a second slot on opposing sides of the support member. The base member has a substantially inverted V-shaped structure. The cover member has a substantially inverted V-shaped structure that preferably has a smaller inner angle than the base member for tapering the opposing slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Marvin A. Moen
  • Publication number: 20040128930
    Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide heat insulating wall structure which is simple and in which the execution of works is easy, a cold (thermal) bridge is prevented by reducing heat conduction to a metal framework and the rust of the framework and internal dew condensation can be prevented. To achieve the object, a bearing plywood 2 is fastened to the outside of the metal frame 1, a furring strip 5 is fastened to the outside of the bearing plywood 2, an exterior finishing board 8 is fastened to the outside of the furring strip 5, and foamed heat insulating material 20 is inserted between the frame 1 and bearing plywood 2 or between the bearing plywood 2 and the furring strip 5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Katsunori Ohnishi
  • Publication number: 20040128931
    Abstract: A modular rail system for holding a panel includes individual components that can be mixed and matched making it easy to customize to fit any length and provides for the use of an array of accent materials. The modular rail system includes at least first and second columns and first and second rails extending between the columns, wherein the columns and first rail each includes a recess for securing one edge of the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Gary Sprague
  • Publication number: 20040128932
    Abstract: A foam panel system which is secured to studs, to conventional drywall, or other support surfaces and an installation kit therefore. The foam panels have a surface that can be prepared to resemble a variety of materials, including brick, stone, wood, artwork, coral, tiles, or even commercial information such as corporate logos, etc. Surface preparation can be accomplished by a computerized laser cutter to cut standard or unique images into the surface of a foam panel. Alternatively, molds can also be prepared with unique patterns or standard designs which are used to create panels by conventional molding techniques. Alternatively, hot dies can be used to impress a variety of surface treatments into a finished or unfinished foam panel. After the surface design is created, it may be dyed or distressed or suit a particular desired design result. Optional precut cable channels can be designed which span one or more foam panel segments to allow cables to be run within a wall with no cutting at the job site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Roberto Estape
  • Publication number: 20040128933
    Abstract: A masonry unit for use in mortared wall structures includes a first surface and a mortar buffer that at least partially surrounds the first surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: David A. Skidmore
  • Publication number: 20040128934
    Abstract: Floor panel which is provided with means for releasably connecting at least two panels, it being the case that a tongue is formed to extend in the longitudinal direction of the side edge and corresponding recess is formed opposite it, that the recess comprises a top lip and a bottom lip, and the bottom lip forms a shoulder with a front shoulder side, said shoulder blocking the panels in the transverse direction (Q), that an undercut is adjoined by a recess, with a bearing region which corresponds to the shoulder, and a wall, which, with the front shoulder side in the installed state, is located opposite the latter, and that corresponding form-fitting elements are formed on the wall and the front shoulder side, said form-fitting elements, in the installed state, engaging one inside the other and bringing about locking in the vertical direction (V), and an underside of the tongue and a top side of the bottom lip runs parallel to the top side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Hendrik Hecht
  • Publication number: 20040128935
    Abstract: An interlockable element for a structure assembly set includes an at least partially planar body and a connector edge having associated therewith a first A-type and B-type connector pair disposed about a first axis of rotation and a second A-type and B-type connector pair disposed about a second axis of rotation. The first and second axes of rotation are disposed on opposing sides of a generally rectangular quadrilateral of a specified dimension. Each of one pair of diagonally opposite vertices of the quadrilateral are situated internally to each of the A-type connectors and each of the other pair of diagonally opposite vertices of the quadrilateral are situated internally to each of the B-type connectors; and the quadrilateral is generally disposed in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the plane of the body of the interlockable element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Jens Ole Sorensen, Paul Philip Brown
  • Publication number: 20040128936
    Abstract: The present invention is a masonry unit, masonry system and method of constructing a structure using the system. In its most basic form, the masonry unit of the present invention includes substantially parallel top and bottom surfaces, substantially parallel a front and back surfaces, and substantially parallel right and left surfaces. A locking ridge is disposed upon the top surface and extends along the top surface in substantially parallel relation to the front and back surfaces. A locking channel is disposed with in the bottom surface and is dimensioned to mate with locking ridge on the top surface of an adjoining masonry unit. The locking channel is disposed inward from the bottom surface a distance that is a slightly larger than the distance from the top surface to the top of the ridge. The system includes a primary masonry unit and at least one corner masonry unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Del R. Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20040128937
    Abstract: A structure for forming a vertically orientated wall comprises a flexible front panel having a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis and substantially continuous front surface; a flexible rear panel positioned rearwardly and parallel to the front panel; and a plurality of cross members connecting the front and rear panels. The front and rear panels define an upwardly opening cavity therebetween for accepting filler material, such as concrete therein. The rear panel includes at least one longitudinally disposed laterally deformable portion, such as a channel or zig zag pattern, which allows for the associated expanding and contracting of the rear panel during adjusting of the arcuate configuration of the wall structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Jean-Laurent Wilson
  • Publication number: 20040128938
    Abstract: The explosion-safe wall includes a canvas wall structure and a wall support frame fixedly anchored to the ground. The canvas wall structure defines opposite first and second sides facing in respective opposite first and second tangential directions and comprises a brace assembly including a number of braces each having a convex brace wall oriented towards the first tangential direction. The canvas wall structure also comprises brackets fixedly attaching the brace assembly to the wall support frame, at least one canvas panel, and a number of yieldingly releasable attachment joints releasably attaching the canvas panel to corresponding braces, with the attachment joints defining a yielding resistance threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Cure, Louis Richard
  • Publication number: 20040128939
    Abstract: Disclosed is a composite bearing deck, including a deck panel, having an upper flange, a lower flange spaced from the upper flange by a predetermined height, a plurality of side webs formed between the upper flange and the lower flange in a transverse direction of the composite bearing deck, and a plurality of hollow portions defined by the upper flange, the lower flange and the side webs and arranged continuously in a longitudinal direction of the bearing deck while being long formed in the transverse direction thereof to constitute a tubular shape; and a concrete slab, having a predetermined thickness and integrated on the deck panel. Moreover, the composite bearing deck of the current invention can be further economically manufactured, and is advantageous in terms of prevention of brittle failure, and higher resistance to automotive loads and vibration loads, compared to conventional bearing decks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Byung Suk Kim, Keunhee Cho, Jeong-Ra Cho, Young-Ho Lee, Won Jong Chin, Sung Tae Kim
  • Publication number: 20040128940
    Abstract: A unique structural system particularly suitable for space based satellite manufacturing is provided which comprises a lightweight truss system, for example, having at least a primary structural tube carrying a uniquely shaped bracket conforming to the periphery of the tube and bearing a flange and secondary strut elements which are connected to the bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Mark LaForge
  • Publication number: 20040128941
    Abstract: A floor frame for a transportable manufactured home includes spaced apart perimeter frame members having a vertical wall and two horizontal walls extending therefrom. A plurality of floor joists extend between the spaced apart perimeter frame members and have notched ends configured to each receive a portion of one perimeter frame member. An arrangement for coupling a transport structure to the floor frame is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas R. Brandt, James F. Shea
  • Publication number: 20040128942
    Abstract: An improved structural member includes a pair of top flanges each extending along the member's length in a separated and opposed co-planar fashion, and a pair of similarly separated and opposed co-planar bottom flanges also extending throughout the member's length. At least two web members connect the lowermost surfaces of the top flanges to the uppermost surfaces of the bottom flanges, and at least one leg member connects these web members together and holds them in a spaced-apart relationship. The invention also includes cooperatively configured components for connecting the inventive structural members together in end-to-end and perpendicular relationships, and also strengthening members which may be added to or removed from the structural members, as needed. Additionally, components for attaching the structural members to other mechanisms and to conventional accessories are provided, so that a modular beam and scaffold system is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Gregory L. Beeche
  • Publication number: 20040128943
    Abstract: An elongated, flexible safety guard for use with moveable platforms is provided. The platform, which the safety guard is mounted thereto, has a support frame and is capable of moving in ascending and descending directions. In one embodiment, the safety guard comprises: (i) a substantially “U-shaped” upper portion, and (ii) a lower portion that extends from the U-shaped upper portion. The U-shaped upper portion has opposing side wall segments that are connected together. The side wall segments define an open space therebetween for receiving the support frame of the platform. In one embodiment, the lower portion of the safety guard has a “J-shaped” configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph F. Herbert
  • Publication number: 20040128944
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods, kits, systems and fabrications of home theater presentation rooms, audio listening rooms, and other types of rooms having acoustical panels (collectively, “acoustical-paneled rooms”) that are arranged inside existing wall structures, such as in a house. Advantageously, the component acoustical panels and bridging structures, such as vertically oriented columns, are so arranged and constructed to permit a particular assemblage of such components to be able to extend across a range of wall widths, or spans. This is achieved by having the panels variably spaced from the centerline of the columns, to form gaps, with the columns nonetheless covering the edges of such panels and the gaps. In preferred embodiments, a particularly strong and easily assembled column assembly is utilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Frederick Jaye Akers
  • Publication number: 20040128945
    Abstract: A pitched roof roofing apparatus. The roofing apparatus has a support rail and a platform movably mounted to the support rail. A drive system operably connects the platform to the support rail. The drive system moves the platform on a pitched surface in at least two orthogonal directions relative to the support rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Leonard C. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040128946
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method characterized in that it consists in assembling by stitching a sandwich consisting of a core and outer fibrous armors and impregnating the stitching thread during the impregnation process of said fibrous armours, and thereafter eliminating said core, said stitching fiber forming spacers (23) between the skins (21, 22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Thierry Salmon, Georges Cahuzac, Marc Bouchez, Francois Falempin
  • Publication number: 20040128947
    Abstract: A sound-proof wall made of FRP in the form of a sound-proof wall panel that comprises a core and skin members made of FRP positioned on both sides of the core and whose weight per nit area is within the range of 10-60 kg/m2; and a method of producing the same. This sound-proof wall, though light in weight, has a superior sound insulation property and will never corrode because it is made of FRP. Further, it has a high degree of freedom of engineering design including sound-proof property, design, and shape, capable of producing a desired sound-proof wall with case. Further, since it has a high specific strength, it is possible to attain a drastic weight reduction while retaining the necessary strength, and facilitate working, shorten construction time, and reduce construction cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Toshihiro Ito, Yutaka Ochi, Toru Kato, Hiroshi Odani, Shintaro Tanaka, Kousuke Yoshimura, Atsushi Ochi, Kimio Mitani
  • Publication number: 20040128948
    Abstract: A three-dimensional constructional element (10) is shown having opposing and substantially planar panels (30, 40) mounted on opposing surfaces of a flexible planar member in the form of a flexible mesh material layer (52) therefore making a composite sheet or three layers. Panel (30) includes transverse groove (12, 14) formed therein and panel (40) includes transverse grooves (16, 18) formed therein. The structure is deformable about each groove (12, 14, 16, 18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Andrew Killen
  • Publication number: 20040128949
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing corners of a load with cornerboards prior to wrapping the load is provided. The method may include providing a load on a load transport surface, removing a cornerboard from within a magazine by a gripper, and transporting the cornerboard to a corner of the load with the gripper. Relative rotation may be provided between the stretch wrap packaging material dispenser and the load to wrap the stretch wrap packaging material around the cornerboard and the load. If the cornerboard is not pre-formed, it is folded prior to transport to the load. The cornerboard is secured to the corner of the load with the stretch wrap packaging material. In a preferred embodiment, four magazines and four grippers are provided, such that four cornerboards can be carried to the load at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: Lantech.com, LLC.
    Inventors: Patrick R. Lancaster, Phillip R. Moore
  • Publication number: 20040128950
    Abstract: A method for forming a decorative cover about a flower pot wherein a customer forms a sheet of material about the flower pot utilizing a cover forming apparatus to provide the decorative cover for the flower pot. The method may include automatically fastening the decorative cover to the flower pot, and optionally automatically placing a label on the covered flower pot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Paul Fantz
  • Publication number: 20040128951
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing and bagging decorative grass, comprising an extruder, a godet, a slitter, a cutter, a divider, a bagging assembly and a programmable logic controller. The extruder produces a continuous sheet of flexible material, which is fed by the godet into the slitter, cutter and divider. The slitter slits the sheet into a continuous web of strands of material. The cutter cuts the continuous web of strands, producing a quantity of decorative grass, which is then divided into discrete aggregates and sent by ducts to bagging assemblies, each of which has a rotatable turret having magazines for receiving and discharging discrete aggregates, an inserter and a bag handler. A programmable logic controller coordinates the production and bagging of the decorative grass, based on the properties of the sheet and the divider, and the predetermined properties of the decorative grass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Publication number: 20040128952
    Abstract: Flexible ducting packaging apparatus including support means for supporting the ducting, an actuating member which is mounted for longitudinal movement along the support means, the actuating member including engagement means for engaging an end of a length of flexible ducting to be packaged, control means for causing the actuating member to execute a first stroke in which a length of the ducting means is moved onto the support means and then to cause the actuating member to execute a second stroke, in the opposite direction to the first stroke, in which the length of flexible ducting is compressed against a stop member whereby the compressed flexible ducting can be placed within packaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Michael William Sterling
  • Publication number: 20040128953
    Abstract: A method and means for bagging organic and other material such as silage, compost, grain, sawdust, dirt, sand, etc., wherein plastic sheet material is dispensed from a roll mounted on the bagging machine so that the sheet material is at least partially wrapped around the material being bagged as the bagging machine moves ahead during packing and filling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Steven R. Cullen
  • Publication number: 20040128954
    Abstract: An apparatus for loading an object into a package includes a loading fork 60, a conveyor 18 for delivering the product to said loading fork 60, a loading horn 110, said loading horn 110 and said loading fork 60 being movalbe relative to each other to place said bag over said product. A system for loading an object into a package includes a loading fork 60 to receive an object from a conveyor 18, loading apparatus 22 to load the object into a package while located on the loading fork 60 and means to transfer the object and package together from the loading fork to a takeaway conveyor 20. A method of loading an object into a package is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Archer Melville
  • Publication number: 20040128955
    Abstract: There is provided an automated packaging apparatus for depositing a predetermined number of pills into a series of containers. The packaging apparatus includes a plurality of independently rotatable rotary slats. Each rotary slat includes an outer peripheral edge portion and the rotary slats are configured so that the outer peripheral edge portions define a common interior space. Each outer peripheral edge portion also defines an inner surface and a plurality of pill apertures. The pill apertures are configured to receive one of the pills from the common interior space at a first position and transmit the pill outside the rotary slats at a second position. A conveyor is configured to move a plurality of open containers along a predetermined path of travel and position each of the containers adjacent a respective rotary slat to define a delivery path that extends between the second position of the rotary slat and the container. At least one drive motor is in driving engagement for rotating the rotary slats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: Aylward Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: John Thomas Aylward
  • Publication number: 20040128956
    Abstract: A bottle support structure and wear plate for use in a rotary capping machine used to apply caps onto the upper threaded neck of a series of plastic containers. The plastic containers have a generally cylindrical body with an outer cylindrical periphery with a diameter and a pedaloid base with spaced pads separated by radial recesses extending from a center recess. The bottle support structure supports the weight of the bottle as the bottle is being capped be prevent the body and base of the bottle from being deformed or crushed during the capping process. The wear plate is a flat ring rotated in unison with a star wheel about a machine axis. The ring has an upwardly facing flat surface and a series of container receiving nests movable in the circular path as the ring is rotated. Each of the nests has at least one elongated bar-like abutment projecting upwardly from the flat surface a given vertical distance. The one or more abutments prevent the bottle from rotating during the capping process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: FCI, Inc., an Ohio corporation
    Inventor: Michael H. Peronek
  • Publication number: 20040128957
    Abstract: An automatic high speed packaging machine (10) for wrapping packages (P) in polymer film (32) is disclosed wherein the film seal at the sides and ends of the packages (P) is made at a high rate of speed as the packages (P) travel through the machine (10). The packages (P) travel continuously in a straight lien through the machine (10). The packages (P) are delivered at the input end of the machine (10) by an in-feed conveyor (20) into a film inverting head (40) where the packages (P) are surrounded by longitudinally half-folded polymer film (32). Thereafter, the packages (P) are transported to a side sealing mechanism (50) which forms a longitudinal seal in the film (32) on the side opposite the fold. Finally, the packages (P) are transported to a travelling end sealing mechanism (70) where a lateral seal is formed at each end of the package (P) and the film web (32) connecting succeeding packages (P) is severed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Foster Guzman
  • Publication number: 20040128958
    Abstract: Device for sleeve-label labeling machines, with proposal that means are provided that render the label tube (5) taut and/or spread the label tube (5) during the cutting step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Klaus Kramer, Lutz Deckert
  • Publication number: 20040128959
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in or relating to saddle cloths, pads or numnahs, particularly for horses. In one aspect, there is described a saddlecloth comprising a sheet material having a longitudinal spine (81) defining left and right saddlecloth sections; wherein each section includes at least one pocket (84, 85) housing at least one cushioning element comprising a bladder (30,31) and resilient element (38), wherein the bladder (30) is formed of a substantially inelastic material and is adapted for inflation and deflation with air or other fluid medium. Preferably, the pocket (84) in each section is a longitudinally elongate and houses two or more bladders (30, 31) dimensioned so as to overlap within the pocket (84) such that, when inflated, the bladders (30, 31) present a substantially uniform thickness. A modification for a saddlecloth for a side-saddle is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: David Kempsell, Margaret L White
  • Publication number: 20040128960
    Abstract: In a particle filter with carbon (soot) deposit combustion for Diesel engines comprising a filter with filter areas of sinter metal through which exhaust gases from the Diesel engine are conducted to remove the soot therefrom, the soot collected at the raw gas side of the filter surfaces is burned off by radiation heaters which are arranged so as to radiate between wedge-like filter pockets of the particle filter such that selected areas of the filter are heated to initiate combustion of the soot on the filter surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Gerhard Jurgen Frankle, Hermann Josef Schulte, Hans Peter Frisse, Carsten Jutka, Jochen Koll, Klaus Schrewe
  • Publication number: 20040128961
    Abstract: A filter bag is provided having a body comprising a filter media of stiffened nonwoven fabric. A method of manufacturing a filter bag comprising a filter media of stiffened nonwoven fabric is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: U.F. Strainrite Corporation
    Inventor: Alan F. Lapoint
  • Publication number: 20040128962
    Abstract: The burp filtering device has the body of a writing pen, with an intake port at the upper end of the body, a plurality of exhaust ports adjacent the writing tip, and a filter disposed within the body. The filter may be made of activated charcoal or other media for filtering eructation odors. In use, the user holds the upper end of the pen body to his lips, releases the suppressed burp, and the filtered gas is exhausted through the ports at the writing tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Bryan S. Jeanfreau
  • Publication number: 20040128963
    Abstract: An air cleaner device 41 which includes a main air cleaner 56 and a sub air cleaner 67 which is connected to the main air cleaner 56, and the sub air cleaner 67 is arranged parallel to the main air cleaner 56 in the longitudinal direction of main frames 55. In this arrangement, the air cleaner device does not projected sideward from a vehicle body and hence, the interference of the air cleaner device with an occupant and lowering of aesthetic appearance of a vehicle can be prevented. Further, since there is no restriction imposed by the interference of the air cleaner device with an occupant and lowering of aesthetic appearance of the vehicle, a capacity of air cleaner device can be easily ensured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuuichirou Tsuruta, Ken Oike
  • Publication number: 20040128964
    Abstract: An open end diesel particulate trap for removing particulates from the exhaust gas stream of the diesel engine includes a housing having an inlet opening, an outlet opening and a gas outlet and an exhaust gas path extending from the inlet opening to the gas outlet. A first portion of the exhaust gas path leads from the inlet and extends at an angle to a second portion of the exhaust gas path leading to the gas outlet. A filter element is disposed in the housing and includes a central aperture defining the first path portion. The filter element has a wall of filter material surrounding the central aperture through which the second path portion extends. A particulate reservoir is in communication with the outlet opening. When exhaust gas flows from the inlet opening to the gas outlet, particulates in the exhaust gas flowing along the first path portion can fall into the reservoir and particulates in the exhaust gas flowing along the second path portion can be trapped in the filter element wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Shi-Wai S. Cheng
  • Publication number: 20040128965
    Abstract: A honeycomb structure which includes an inlet end and an outlet end opposing each other and a plurality of cell channels extending along an axis from the inlet end to the outlet end, the cell channels having non-equal, square cross-sections, and an extrusion die for making the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Douglas M. Beall, Johnny Marcher
  • Publication number: 20040128966
    Abstract: A self-propelled forage harvester includes front and rear sets of driven ground wheels. The front set of wheels is driven through a transmission including an input shaft driven by a variable displacement motor and coupled to the front set of wheels by a gear train including one planetary gear set, (in one embodiment), and two planetary gear sets, (in a second embodiment). In both cases, the transmission is shiftable so as to establish at least first and second gear ratios. The shifting of the transmission is accomplished automatically by a control arrangement which takes into account the operating mode of the harvester so that a ratio for producing the correct velocity range for harvesting is established when the harvester is in a working operating mode, and a higher velocity range is established when the harvester is in a transport operating mode. Other operating parameters are sensed and used to automatically control hydraulic pump and/or motor displacement, and for controlling engine speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: Deere & Company, a Delaware corporation
    Inventor: Bernd Kempf
  • Publication number: 20040128967
    Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine comprises crop processing mechanism and an elevator assembly for conveying harvested crop material to said crop processing mechanism. The elevator assembly comprises an elevator housing and endless elevator mechanism mounted for rotation in said housing over a shaft. An outer and an inner shaft shielding plate are mounted around the shaft for preventing migration of crop material to said shaft. The inner plate is mounted within the outer shielding plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Rudy P. A. Vandewalle, Geert Claeys
  • Publication number: 20040128968
    Abstract: A gathering and picking device having a gathering element having radially extending fingers is rotated about an approximately vertical axis. The fingers are arranged to grasp plant stalks and transport the plant stalks along a picking gap of a picking device. The picking gap is curved such that it maintains an at least approximately constant distance from the vertical rotational axis of the gathering element over its operative length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Alfons Resing, Richard Wuebbels
  • Publication number: 20040128969
    Abstract: A mower accessory is constructed and arranged to be coupled to a front end of skid steer loader. The skid steer loader has a body and front and rear wheels. At least the rear wheels are constructed and arranged to cause driving movement of the skid steer loader. The skid steer loader has a lift structure constructed and arranged to move accessories when coupled thereto. The mower accessory includes a caster structure constructed and arranged to be removably coupled to the lift structure at the front end of the skid steer loader. The caster structure has at least one caster mounted for rolling and swiveling motion. A mower deck coupled to the caster structure and has at least one mower blade. When the mower accessory is coupled to the skid steer loader and the lift structure is moved generally downwardly with respect to the body, the caster is constructed and arranged to engage the ground causing the front wheels of the skid steer loader to raise so as not to engage the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Meurer
  • Publication number: 20040128970
    Abstract: A direction changing feature for lawnmower discharge that allows the operator of a lawnmower to spontaneously select which side of a lawnmower the discharge of grass clippings exits. The device is made up of two hinged flaps that are each connected by linking rods to a shift rod. Each flap is shaped and dimensioned to cover one of two openings on opposite sides of a lawnmower housing. When the shift rod is at rest in one of its two positions, one of the flaps covers an opening while the other flap is positioned such that the second opening is unobstructed. When the shift rod is shifted into its second position, the flap covering an opening is lifted thereby exposing that opening while the other flap closes over the second opening. A new lawnmower can be manufactured with the device incorporated into its housing, or an existing lawnmower can be retrofitted with the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Richard E. Gazlay
  • Publication number: 20040128971
    Abstract: A large round baler is equipped with a plurality of components for delivering crop to an inlet of a baling chamber of a large round baler. These components have a width which is substantially wider than the baling chamber inlet and include a crop take-up device and a crop processing arrangement, such as a cutter head, that receives crop from the crop take-up device. The crop processing arrangement delivers the processed crop to a transverse conveyor, which narrows the stream of crop to the width of the baling chamber inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Jean Viaud
  • Publication number: 20040128972
    Abstract: A lawn rake having means to minimize lateral spill of debris. A laminar side skirt, preferably made of flexible plastic and trapezium shape, is secured by a suitable clamp to at least a pair of extreme tines at each side of the lawn rake at a point near the rake head. Each laminar side skirt is hinged to the most extreme tine by means of rings spaced along the tine length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Gil G. Moreno
  • Publication number: 20040128973
    Abstract: A composite twist yarn is produced by twisting a spun yarn and at least one filament together. The composite twist yarn has features that the twisted direction of the composite twist yarn is substantially identical to the twisted direction of the spun yarn entwined in the composite twist yarn, and that the number of twists of the composite twist yarn is larger than that of the spun yarn entwined in the composite twist yarn. The composite twist yarn is produced by making a twisted spun yarn and at least one filament parallel to each other to a paralleled yarn, twisting the paralleled yarn in a direction reverse to the twisted direction of the spun yarn, and continuing the twisting over an untwisted point of the spun yarn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Yasumichi Morikawa
  • Publication number: 20040128974
    Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention discloses a power plant operating at low inlet pressure and temperature using a combination of conventional internal combustion engine techniques and jet engine techniques. The combination of a unique combustion chamber design, a novel variable impedance blade set turbine and a closed loop control system allows a variable resonant frequency for combusted gases. As the resonant frequency is approached a control mechanism uses sensor data to maintain the operating point such that maximum power output is achieved for a given throttle setting. The combination of the unique combustion chamber design, multiple fuel injector/sparking device pairs, finely atomized fuel, excess oxygen and the closed loop control system further provides a very linear power curve with low exit hydrocarbon pollution levels and high fuel efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Dennis A. Laper
  • Publication number: 20040128975
    Abstract: A low or no pollution power generation system is provided. The system has an air separator to collect oxygen. A gas generator is provided with inputs for the oxygen and a hydrocarbon fuel. The fuel and oxygen are combusted within the gas generator, forming water and carbon dioxide. Water or other diluents are also delivered into the gas generator to control temperature of the combustion products. The combustion products are then expanded through at least one turbine or other expander to deliver output power. The combustion products are then passed through a separator where the steam is condensed. A portion of the water is discharged and the remainder is routed back to the gas generator as diluent. The carbon dioxide can be conditioned for sequestration. The system can be optimized by adding multiple expanders, reheaters and water diluent preheaters, and by preheating air for an ion transfer membrane oxygen separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Fermin Viteri
  • Publication number: 20040128976
    Abstract: In a gas and steam power plant for water desalination, a heat exchanger surface is arranged in the region of the cold end of a heat recovery boiler. This surface is provided for preheating the water to be desalinated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Eberhard Gralla
  • Publication number: 20040128977
    Abstract: A multi-mode propulsion system for potential application to hypersonic and aerospace planes. The system can employ various propulsion modes at various points in time, with the propulsion system employed at a given point in time being selected according to the velocity of the inlet airflow. In one embodiment, the propulsion system of the present invention has an ejector-augmented pulsed detonation rocket propulsion mode, a pulsed normal detonation wave engine mode, a steady oblique detonation wave engine mode, and a pure pulsed detonation rocket mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Donald R. Wilson, Frank K. Lu
  • Publication number: 20040128978
    Abstract: A planet gear journal for an epicyclic gear system is asymmetrically formed to compensate for carrier twist. The asymmetry may be between a pair of opposed outwardly open annular channels inboard of a bearing surface of the journal. A particular application is the planetary gear system of a geared turbofan engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Loc Q. Duong