Patents Issued in October 12, 2004
  • Patent number: PP15220
    Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Bidens plant named ‘Bidantis’ which is particularly distinguished by its vigorous character, upright (bit trailing) plant habit, dark green foliage and golden yellow inflorescences. The new cultivar can perfectly be used in mixed hanging baskets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Syngenta Seeds B.V.
    Inventor: Anna M. W. P. Houbraken
  • Patent number: PP15221
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Verbena plant named ‘Bodcomblu’, characterized by its compact, upright and mounded plant habit; freely branching habit; dense and bushy growth habit; dark green-colored leaves; and dark violet-colored flowers with flowers held above and beyond the foliage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: John Bodger + Sons Co.
    Inventor: Yoshiro Arimitsu
  • Patent number: PP15222
    Abstract: A new plant variety of Hydrangea hybrid characterized by dark green foliage, burgundy fall foliage, lacecap flower color and burgundy stem color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Hines Nurseries, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Gray
  • Patent number: PP15223
    Abstract: A new cultivar of Impatiens plant named ‘Fitam Light Pink’ that is characterized by large flowers, a freely branching habit and light pink flowers with a dark base. In combination, these traits set ‘Fitam Light Pink’ apart from all other existing varieties of Impatiens known to the inventor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Fides Goldstock Breeding B.V.
    Inventor: Anita Jorna
  • Patent number: PP15224
    Abstract: A new and distinct early flowering Begonia plant with dark red colored flowers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Begonia Breeders Association B.V.
    Inventor: Tobias Günter Dümmen
  • Patent number: PP15225
    Abstract: The ‘P30-135’ rootstock is an interspecific hybrid rootstock Prunus saliciana×P. persica, developed for use as a clonal commercial rootstock under peach and nectarine cultivars. Propagation of this stock has been successfully accomplished from hardwood cuttings. The ‘P30-135’ has the characteristic of imparting a substantial degree of vigor control to the scion cultivar that has been propagated upon it. This type of growth-controlling rootstock allows for the reduction of the height of orchard trees without compromising the quality of the fruit borne upon the tree. Size reduction of commercial orchard trees increases the efficiency of various cultural operations such as pruning, thinning and harvesting by reducing the need for workers in the field to carry and climb tall ladders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Theodore DeJong, David Ramming, R. Scott Johnson, James Doyle
  • Patent number: PP15226
    Abstract: A Shumard Oak tree named ‘ACNRT1’ and distinguished by having an upright, well-branched central leader and also capable of being reliably reproduced from vegetative cuttings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Ray Tate
  • Patent number: PP15227
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Azalea plant named ‘Robleg’, characterized by its unique blooming time, dense and globose growth habit, dark green glossy foliage, and attractive large single white flowers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Plant Development Services Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Edward Lee
  • Patent number: PP15228
    Abstract: The ‘K146-43’ rootstock is an inter-specific hybrid rootstock, useful primarily as a commercial understock for peach and nectarine cultivars. The stock has been successfully propagated clonally by hardwood cuttings. This rootstock imparts a substantial degree of vigor control to the scion cultivar that is propagated on top of it. The utilization of adapted growth controlling rootstocks in commercial orchard situations reduces the height of the individual orchard tree without compromising the quality of the fruit. This in turn increases the efficiency of various cultural operations such as pruning, thinning and harvesting by reducing the need for workers in the field to use tall ladders when carrying out these operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Theodore DeJong, David Ramming, R. Scott Johnson, James Doyle
  • Patent number: PP15229
    Abstract: A new and distinct and mid-season ripening gravevine variety characterized by possessing naturally large, round, seedless grapes with a black tough and tannin skin. The grapes have a good eating quality, medium sugar content, and medium acidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Sun World International, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Cain, Michael J. Striem
  • Patent number: PP15230
    Abstract: A new garden rose plant of the shrub class which has abundant, deep pink flowers and attractive foliage. This new and distinct variety has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from asexual propagation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Poulsen Roser A/S
    Inventors: L. Pernille Olesen, Mogens N. Olesen
  • Patent number: PP15231
    Abstract: A new cultivar of Lavandula angustifolia plant named ‘Thumbelina Leigh’ that is characterized by a compact rounded habit, violet-blue flowers, strong fragrance and repeat flowering. In combination, these traits set it apart from all other existing varieties of Lavandula known to the inventor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Elsie Hall
  • Patent number: PP15232
    Abstract: A new garden rose plant of the floribunda class which has abundant pink flowers and attractive foliage. This new and distinct variety has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from asexual propagation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Poulsen Roser A/S
    Inventors: L. Pernille Olesen, Mogens N. Olesen
  • Patent number: PP15233
    Abstract: A new cultivar of Dahlia plant named ‘Sabinas’ that is characterized by a short crop time of 6 to 7 weeks, a compact, upright and uniform growth habit, basal branching, a large quantity of small bicolored inflorescences that have a golden center and change to orange toward the ray floret apex. In combination, these traits set ‘Sabinas’ apart from all other existing varieties of Dahlia known to the inventor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Johanna G. H. Van Haaster
  • Patent number: PP15234
    Abstract: A new and distinct Lonicera nitida cultivar is provided that is a mutation of the ‘Maigrün’ cultivar (non-patented in the United States). Distinctive new foliage is formed that bears yellow-green coloration unlike that of the ‘Maigrün’ cultivar. A spreading growth habit is displayed and the plant performs well in a semi-shaped environment. The unusual foliage coloration combined with the other characteristics provides the horticultural industry with an distinctive ornamental plant for growing in pots or in the landscape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Selection New Plant SARL
    Inventor: André Briant
  • Patent number: PP15235
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an interspecific plum tree, Prunus salicina×(Prunus salicina×Prunus armeniaca), and more particularly to a new and distinct variety broadly characterized by a medium size, vigorous, hardy, and self-unfruitful but productive tree. The fruit matures under the ecological conditions described during mid August, with first picking on Aug. 7, 2003. The fruit is uniformly large in size, two-tone red and yellow in skin color, semi-freestone in type, purely yellow in flesh color, firm in texture, very good in cold storage, and mildly acidic and very sweet in flavor, which is predominately plum with a hint of apricot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Lowell Glen Bradford
  • Patent number: RE38615
    Abstract: A system and method for decreasing the time required to complete a ratio change in an electronically enhanced powertrain system is provided. The powertrain system includes a number of devices for providing a retarding torque to engine rotation to increase the decay rate of the engine speed during an upshift. These devices include an engine brake and an input shaft brake. A retarding torque is also provided by increasing engine accessory load by controlling various engine accessories such as a cooling fan, an air compressor, a hydraulic pump, an air conditioning compressor, and an alternator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: John Dresden, III, Thomas A. Genise, Simon Hornby, Ronald K. Markyvech, Richard A. Nellums, John E. Stainton
  • Patent number: RE38616
    Abstract: Single horizontal wells drilled through heterogeneous reservoirs are capable of greater oil productivity than vertical wells, often with lower produced GOR and WOR. Multiple drainholes tied-in to a vertical cased well are even more beneficial. Completion of such drainholes in many sandy reservoirs must use cemented liners. Well configurations comprising multiple drainholes liners, each of them tied-in to a vertical casing by pressure-tight connections require novel technologies making use of some novel downhole equipment, tools and procedures for drilling, tie-in and completion of such wells. These may be for newly-drilled wells or may be obtained by re-entry into an existing vertical cased well. Specific equipment, including novel casing joints, whipstocks, intermediate liners and tubing completion assembly components applicable to new wells are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Gondouin
  • Patent number: RE38617
    Abstract: A cavity 22 in an injection molding assembly includes a lower mold insert 21 for shaping a lens convex surface and an upper mold insert 20 for shaping a lens concave surface. When the heated injection molding assembly is cooled and a lens is ejected after a molten resin is pressurized by the upper mold insert 20, the temperature of the lower mold insert 21 is lowered below the temperature of the upper mold insert 20, which prevents the molded lens from bending at a central portion and enable high transfer precision of insert shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyohiro Saito, Hiroshi Asami
  • Patent number: RE38618
    Abstract: A method for producing a digital video signal from an analog video signal, the analog video signal including an analog video data signal that is raster scanned in lines across a CRT screen to form consecutive frames of video information, the raster scanning controlled by use of a horizontal synchronizing signal (Hsnyc) that controls a line scan rate, and a vertical synchronizing signal (Vsnyc) that controls a frame refresh rate, to produce consecutive frames of video information, wherein the digital video signal is produced by generating a pixel clock signal with pixel clocks for repetitively sampling instantaneous values of the analog video data signal, and digitizing the analog video data signal based on the pixel clock sampling. An expected width E, measured in number of pixel clocks, of a video image producible by the analog video signal is estimated, and an actual width W, measured in number of pixel clocks, of the video image producible by the analog video signal is calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: InFocus Corporation
    Inventor: Michael G. West
  • Patent number: RE38619
    Abstract: In a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) communication network, a central office (CO) provides interactive communication between a service provider and a plurality of user terminals. To synchronize transmissions of the user terminals, a timebase timer in the CO generates modulo N-bit cyclical reference counts as time markers. In a downstream direction to the plurality of user terminals, time marker insertion units in the CO receive both (a) separate digital TDMA transport streams having a predetermined data rate including data packets and Media Access Control (MAC) packets that are interspersed between the data packets at predetermined intervals, and (b) the time markers generated by the timebase timer, and insert a currently received time marker count into a concurrently received MAC packet. The resultant downstream TDMA transport streams with the inserted time marker counts in the MAC packets are transmitted in continuous TDMA output transport stream to the remote user terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: General Instrument Corporation
    Inventors: Bernardo Paratore, Robert Patrick Mullins, Michael J. Gittings, Dennis R. Clark
  • Patent number: RE38620
    Abstract: A monolithic version of optical multiplexer/demultiplexer with an improved spectral characteristics is provided by two diffraction gratings arranged optically in tandem and with a field stop in the coupling between them, the gratings also being arranged to provide free spectral ranges differing by a factor of at least two, and having a coupling between them that carries over into the second grating information concerning the dispersion afforded by the first grating. The field stop is constituted by a pair of etched troughs arranged in the pattern of an open chevron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventor: George Horace Brooke Thompson
  • Patent number: RE38621
    Abstract: An optical disk having a diameter less than 140 mm and, a thickness of 1.2 mm±0.1 mm, with a plurality of record tracks having data recorded thereon as embossed pits representing information and exhibiting a track pitch in the range between 0.646 &mgr;m and 1.05 &mgr;m; with the tracks being divided into a lead-in area, a program area and a lead-out area. The data includes table of contents (TOC) information recorded in a plurality of sectors in at least one TOC track and user information recorded in a plurality of sectors in user tracks. The user information is comprised of MPEG-compressed video data, which may exhibit any one of difference MPEG formats, and compressed audio data, which likewise may exhibit an MPEG format, a PCM format or the like. The TOC information includes addresses of start sectors recorded in the user tracks and also includes application table of contents (ATOC) information which identifies various parameters for accessing and using the user information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Yonemitsu, Ryuichi Iwamura, Shunji Yoshimura, Makoto Kawamura
  • Patent number: RE38622
    Abstract: A new parts handling apparatus is provided which can shorten the index time and increase working ability without increasing the number of components and can restrict the rise of manufacturing cost. X driving member 12 to be moved rightward and leftward in correlation to the rotation of a ball screw 2 by a servomotor 1 is provided with a pair of right and left movable members 7 mounted movably in the Z direction. Two contact hands 5 are attached to each movable member 7 through aligning mechanisms 8 respectively. Each movable member 7 is provided with a Z driving member 6 mounted slidably in the X direction. The Z driving member 6 is engaged with a ball screw 4, and the ball screw 4 is connected to a servomotor 3. When the ball screw 4 is rotated by the servomotor 3, the Z driving member 6 moves vertically in the figure, thereby also moving the movable member 7 vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroaki Fujimori
  • Patent number: RE38623
    Abstract: A stable composition is provided to treat and/or prevent photo-aged skin and related skin disorders such as sunburn, wrinkles, poor skin tone and skin discoloration by topically applying to the skin the treatment composition containing an effective amount of a compound such as ascorbic acid, derivatives of ascorbic acid and/or extracts containing ascorbic acid, in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle containing a substantially anhydrous base having no water added. The anhydrous base stabilizes the compound, so that the compound remains effective for an effective period of time, even in the presence of exposure to water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Topix Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Hernandez, Burt Shaffer
  • Patent number: RE38624
    Abstract: The invention relates to new hydroxyindoles of the Formula, their use as inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 4 and processes for their preparation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Elbion AG
    Inventors: Norbert Hofgen, Ute Egerland, Hildegard Kuss, Degenhard Marx, Stefan Szelenyi, Thomas Kronbach, Emmanuel Polymeropoulos, Sabine Heer
  • Patent number: 6802079
    Abstract: A mouth protector assembly comprising a grid-like mouth protector, defined by a top bar contoured to engage the area above the upper lip and below the nose of a user, a series of spaced bars depending from the upper bar and a pad which underlies the chin of a user, a strap system for supporting the grid over the mouth including straps connected to the grid and encircling the head to support the grid over the mouth of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: David Bush
  • Patent number: 6802080
    Abstract: A knee and foot protective support device is provided for removing pressure from the knees, legs and feet of a person who is kneeling. The device includes a rigid frame having a back portion, a front portion, a side panel and a foot panel. The front portion of the frame has a top section and a bottom section. Padding is attached to the back portion and provides support for the knee, front portion of the leg and foot. A plurality of securing members are attached to the frame for removably securing the device to the leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Alan Everett Hawley
  • Patent number: 6802081
    Abstract: The moisture-absorbent/releasable heat-generating intermediate material of the present invention is inserted between an outer material and a lining, both having a moisture-permeable/waterproof property, a windproof property and other desired properties, thereby constituting a heat-retaining article. It comprises a blend of a heat-retaining fiber including an air layer of not less than 50 ml per 1 gram and a moisture-absorbent/releasable heat-generating fiber. The moisture-absorbent/releasable heat-generating fiber generates heat by absorbing moisture in a vapor phase or in a liquid phase discharged from a human body and an immobile air layer formed by the heat-retaining fiber retains the heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Mizuno Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Ogino, Shigeru Aoyama
  • Patent number: 6802082
    Abstract: A camouflaged material for outdoor wear has an inside liner material with a fine mesh to prevent the passage of insects therethrough. An outside layer overlays the inside layer and is die-cut to have a plurality of leaf tabs cut therein with the leaf tabs having a substantially elliptical shape having a cut perimeter on opposite sides and a cut end therebetween, with an opposite end to the cut end forming a live hinge with respect to the outside layer, to permit the leaf tabs to deflect from the outside layer in a random fashion to create an outer appearance of random leaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Bug-Out Outdoor Wear
    Inventor: Bruce E. Watley
  • Patent number: 6802083
    Abstract: A cap and shade combination in which the shade may be folded inside an attached pouch when not in use. The shade comprises a central portion and two wing portions such that it may be unfurled both down away from the cap and laterally in both directions around the rim of the cap. The extending portion of the shade is of split configuration and of light weight material to be better received within the pouch of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Suen Ching Yan
  • Patent number: 6802084
    Abstract: A leak detection and reporting system for detecting and reporting different types of leaks. Different alarms are activated in response to different types of leaks. The present invention includes a timing module and a water flow sensor. The timing module measures a standard fill time required to properly fill a reservoir. A lower time threshold and an upper time threshold are then calculated based upon the standard fill time. A first alarm may be activated if a subsequent fill time is below the lower time threshold to identify a small leak. Also, a second alarm may be activated if a subsequent fill time is above the upper time threshold to identify a larger leak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Ghertner Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Ghertner, Vince Luciani
  • Patent number: 6802085
    Abstract: A portable waste disposal apparatus includes a stand for receiving a portable bowl and a waste container. The portable bowl includes a receiving port and a disposal port. A disposal port cover permits waste to pass when the cover is in an open position. Waste is prevented from passing through the disposal port when the cover is in a closed position. Actuation of the disposal port cover is independent of pressure within the portable bowl (e.g., due to waste, water, or purging fluid). In various embodiments, the cover slides or pivots between the open and closed positions. A method of disposing of waste includes the step of receiving waste into the portable bowl through the receiving port. The portable bowl is positioned to receive toilet purging fluid through the receiving port when placed within a toilet. The toilet is flushed to discharge the received purging fluid and waste through the disposal port of the portable bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventors: Florea Catanescu, Georgeta Butoi
  • Patent number: 6802086
    Abstract: A support apparatus for a cover adapted for use with a conventional cover lifting device comprises one or more brackets for engaging the peripheral edge and at least one tension member or strap extending between the crossbar of the lifting device and the bracket. Where the cover has two planer surfaces joined at a hinge for hanging over the crossbar, each strap and each bracket is are sandwiched between the covers folded surfaces and each bracket is preferably “T”-shaped for engaging the peripheral edges of both surfaces. Preferably, the length of the strap is adjustable. The weight of the cover is supported by the bracket and strap to the crossbar rather than through the hinge or fabric connection to the crossbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Len Hudzinski
  • Patent number: 6802087
    Abstract: Systems and techniques to facilitate lifting and access to compartments, such as spa compartments that contain spa features. A structure includes a base, risers rotatably coupled with an underside of the base, a support frame rotatably coupled with the risers, rollers rotatably coupled with the support frame, and one or more lever-arms rotatably coupled with at least one of the risers, the one or more lever-arms supporting the base when the support frame is in a nested position, and the one or more lever-arms providing leverage during transition from the nested position to an actuated position of the support frame, said transition causing the base to lower and be movable on the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Dimension One Spas
    Inventors: David R. Podue, Angelo Vito Pugliese, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6802088
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a portable bed device comprising a horizontal bottom 26 surrounded by vertical walls 28 with an open top forming a tub 32 for holding water therein in order to wash a person. The tub 32 has a removable side panel 42 incorporated into at least one sidewall wherein a latching mechanism 44 is used to attach the removable side panel to the tub 32. An adjustable backrest/footrest 38 is provided in order to rest the patient's head thereon wherein the backrest/footrest element is attached by tongue 39 and groove 40 fastening means to the sidewalls of the tub 32. A headrest 48 may also be removably attached to the backrest/footrest element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel M Gruner
  • Patent number: 6802089
    Abstract: A sliding rail consisting of two standards reciprocally defining a slotting wherein there is housed a shower support, into which there is obtained a recess intended to partly house a block forming a sliding guide for the support on the slotting. The sliding being allowed by the horizontal pivoting of the support relative to the block and by the consequent insertion or removal of the teeth provided on the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Sanicro S.r.l.
    Inventor: Serafino Cropelli
  • Patent number: 6802090
    Abstract: This lavatory-toilet combination allows the user to immediately recycle hand and other lavatory sink water to flush the toilet or to drain in the traditional manner. Besides choosing flush or drain, the user chooses the amount of water over 1.6 gallons and the temperature of that water. This combination eliminates the toilet tank with it's many parts needing repair and replacement. REFERENCES 1,935,779 21 Nov. 1933 Kemach 2,860,348 18 Nov. 1958 McClenahan 3,588,922 29 Jun. 1971 Carfora 3,995,327  7 Dec. 1976 Hendrick 5,228,152 20 Jul. 1993 Fraley 5,522,096  4 Jun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Vicki Lee Martin
  • Patent number: 6802091
    Abstract: A patient moving bed assembly for transferring a patient from a primary bed to a secondary support such as a gurney includes a frame, a mattress, a mattress support panel having tracks, rollers engaged to the tracks, and a motor to move the rollers in a desired direction to move the mattress laterally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Lenon Harris
  • Patent number: 6802092
    Abstract: An accessory for ground pads that includes first and second panels attached to one another so as to form a pocket into which a portion of a ground pad can be inserted. The first portion incorporates an expansion zone of elastic material so that when soft items are place between the ground pad and the expansion zone, an elevated structure akin to a pillow is formed. The second portion includes at least one strap attached thereto so that when the ground pad is rolled for storage, the at least one strap can be used to retain the rolled state of the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Cascade Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Sheila M. Klein
  • Patent number: 6802093
    Abstract: A bed assembly for permitting a user to urinate and defecate while lying in the bed assembly. The bed assembly includes a mattress that has an aperture extending through the mattress for permitting a user to urinate and defecate while lying on the mattress. The mattress is positionable between a lying position and a sitting position for permitting a user to urinate and defecate in a seated position. A plug member is removably positioned in the aperture of the mattress for plugging the aperture in the mattress. A frame is provided for supporting the mattress. A container is removably positionable under the aperture for receiving the urine and feces discharge of a user. A pair of guide rails is mounted to the frame for selectively receiving the container and positioning the container under the aperture in mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Dionne Pope-Brown
  • Patent number: 6802094
    Abstract: A hand tool such as a knife or a combination tool includes multiple blades, each independently rotatable on a common axle between a closed position within a handle of the tool and an open position extending from the handle. Each blade is positively but releasably locked into its open position. Those blades which remain closed are biased toward the closed position when the opened blade is locked into position and also as it is opened and closed. A single locking, releasing, and biasing mechanism serves all of the blades in one handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett P. Seber, Randolph J. Morton, Gabriel Alejandro Draguicevich, Roy L. Helton, Jr., Gregory F. Rubin
  • Patent number: 6802095
    Abstract: A ramp assembly for installation in a vehicle includes a ramp platform having a stowed configuration in the vehicle, a deployed configuration extending from the vehicle, and a lift and lock mechanism. The lift and lock mechanism is configured to lock the ramp platform in place when the platform is in a stowed configuration and to facilitate the lifting of the platform when the platform is deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Ricon Corporation
    Inventors: Sean Whitmarsh, Miguel Monge
  • Patent number: 6802096
    Abstract: Disclosed is an adjustable cab including an adjustable cab floor engagement assembly for use with a passenger loading bridge to service a plurality of different aircraft types, each different aircraft type having a different doorway configuration. The adjustable cab floor engagement assembly includes upper and lower floor members, which are moveable one relative to the other, to provide a plurality of different floor configurations. A light-weight, flip up panel is provided along a leading edge of the assembly, which pivots upwardly upon contact with a portion of the aircraft to avoid damaging either one of the assembly or the aircraft. The adjustable cab includes an auto-leveling structure to provide a level surface for passengers entering and exiting the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: DEW Engineering and Development Limited
    Inventor: John Savage
  • Patent number: 6802097
    Abstract: A toothbrush includes a handle configured to accommodate an electric power source, a head carrying a brush, and a neck between the handle and the head. The head or neck includes a mechanical motorized vibratory device, which causes the head to vibrate. Electrical connections are operably connected to the mechanical vibratory device and the electric power source to power the mechanical vibratory device via the electrical connections. In various embodiments, a switch may be operably connected to at least one of the electrical connections to interrupt power from the power source to the mechanical motorized vibratory device. In various embodiments, a vibration-damming structure dampens vibration transmission from the head to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Trisa Holding AG
    Inventors: Peter Häfliger, Franz Fischer, Günther Elster
  • Patent number: 6802098
    Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustment mechanism and methods for adjusting the alignment of a powered cylindrical brush mounted to a surface maintenance vehicle relative to a surface to be maintained or cleaned by the vehicle. The device is preferably disposed upon the idler-side of a powered rotating cylindrical brush assembly and the adjustment preferably occurs via use of an eccentric cam member providing a range or motion, or pivot location, through or about which the idler-side mounting location of the cylindrical brush may be adjusted to improve contact with the surface. The present invention enables such adjustment without decoupling the rotating brush from its couplings (both supportive and rotational coupling), and any coupling to a drive mechanism for driving the rotating brush into rotation. The rotating brush so adjusted will benefit from improved mechanical cooperation between the bristles of the brush and the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Robert A. Geyer, Anthony J. Hamline
  • Patent number: 6802099
    Abstract: A rotary shaft having a predetermined diameter and a cylindrical cleaning element having an axial through-hole formed therein and capable of being either in a wet or a dry state are prepared. The through-hole has, in a wet state, a predetermined diameter smaller than that of the rotary shaft. The cleaning element is wetted and the through-hole of the wet cleaning element enlarged so that it has a diameter larger than that of the rotary shaft. The enlarged cleaning element is dry-set and the rotary shaft is inserted into the through-hole of the cleaning element. The cleaning element is then wetted, to contract the diameter of the through-hole of the cleaning element and provide a press-fit between the cleaning element and the shaft. A, cleaning member comprising a cylindrical cleaning element and a rotary shaft held therein with a press-fit is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Seigo Murakami, Hiroshi Ishii, Norio Yamada, Hidetoshi Nose, Fujio Aoyama
  • Patent number: 6802100
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tool for cleaning an anode in a coating machine. The anode cleaning tool has a rotary brush driven by a driver such as a cordless power drill. The rotary brush and the driver are connected to a support structure and an adapter which allows the tool to be joined to a shaft associated with the coating machine. The tool further includes a light source connected to the support structure for enabling an operator to see an anode as it is being cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Moravsky, Stephan G. Vandermyn, Dean N. Marszal
  • Patent number: 6802101
    Abstract: A windscreen wiping device which includes a wiper arm which can be activated and a wiper blade which includes a wiper rubber having a carrier element receiver and a carrier element. A wiper lip is arranged on the wiper rubber and lies against the window to be wiped. Load alleviation elements which alleviate the wiper lip when the windscreen wiping device is in the parking position lift the wiper lip off the window to be wiped. The load alleviation elements include at least two interspaced pins arranged on the carrier element and ramps which co-operate with the pins and which are provided on the window or in the region around the window. In the parking position, the pins drive against the ramps in order to alleviate the wiper lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Valeo Wischersysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Bruno Egner-Walter
  • Patent number: 6802102
    Abstract: A windshield wiper includes a drive shaft (10), to which shaft a crank (12) is fastened. A base body (14) of the drive shaft (10) is made from an extruded light metal profile and on its free end, in the region of a fastening part, carries a connection part (16, 22) of a harder material, which has a screw thread (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Wilfried Merkel, Roger Daenen