Patents Issued in April 12, 2005
  • Patent number: D503996
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: David L. Mabbutt
  • Patent number: D503997
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Pedro Sanchez, Jr.
  • Patent number: D503998
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen S. Axelrod
  • Patent number: D503999
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Ruth L Arvizo
  • Patent number: D504000
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Today's Gear, Inc.
    Inventors: John Underbrink, Peter C. Hill
  • Patent number: PP15714
    Abstract: A new variety of pot Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Chisel Time Cerise,’ having a good uniform canopy of cerise pink spoon tip single flowers. The new variety has a medium tall vigor, free branching, uniform spreading habit and good foliage presentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Cleangro LTD
    Inventor: Ruth Redman
  • Patent number: PP15715
    Abstract: A new cultivar of Euphorbia named ‘Tasmanian Tiger’ that is distinguished by a compact habit, tall inflorescences with cream-white flowers, white and grey-green variegated foliage, and pale grey-green stems. In combination these traits set ‘Tasmanian Tiger’ apart from all other existing varieties of Euphorbia known to the inventor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventors: Barbara Jennings, Sally Johannsohn
  • Patent number: PP15716
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of miniature rose with long lasting, novel pink flowers, and dark green and attractive foliage. It exhibits compact, uniform growth and flowering under greenhouse conditions when grown as a potted floral plant. The new variety propagates well from cuttings and by grafting. This new and distinct variety has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from asexual propagation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: W. Kordes' S{hacek over (o)}hne Rosenschulen GmbH & Co KG
    Inventor: Tim-Hermann Kordes
  • Patent number: PP15717
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of miniature rose with long lasting, novel pink flowers, and dark green and attractive foliage. It exhibits compact, uniform growth and flowering under greenhouse conditions when grown as a potted floral plant. The new variety propagates well from cuttings and by grafting. This new and distinct variety has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from asexual propagation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: W. Kordes' S{hacek over (o)}hne Rosenschulen GmbH & Co KG
    Inventor: Tim-Hermann Kordes
  • Patent number: PP15718
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Verbena plant named ‘Balazcherd’ characterized by its red-colored flowers, cleft, dark green-colored foliage, basal branching character, and mounded and trailing growth habit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Ball Horticultural Company
    Inventor: Scott C. Trees
  • Patent number: PP15719
    Abstract: A chrysanthemum plant named ‘Agapi’ characterized by its medium sized blooms with pink ray florets and prolific branching; natural season flower date September 8-12; blooming for a period of 5 weeks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Chrysanthemum Breeders Association, N.V.
    Inventor: Mark Roland Boeder
  • Patent number: PP15720
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Geranium plant named ‘Genlibred’ that is characterized by semi-double red flowers, medium green foliage, an early flower response and a faint zonation pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Willi Endisch GbR
    Inventor: Gerd Endisch
  • Patent number: PP15721
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Athyrium niponicum var. pictum plant characterized by the pewter tone to the leaves, silver over grey green, with a pink rachis. This coloring persists from new growth to mature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel M. Heims
  • Patent number: RE38720
    Abstract: An image motion compensating address generator is disclosed including a mode selector for selecting a field mode or frame mode according to a video mode signal and a slice position signal, an address selection controller for controlling the generation of addresses according to the video mode signal and a motion coding type signal, a Y-direction read address generator for producing a Y-direction read address in units of processed block, an X-direction read address generator for dividing the processed block into four phases in the X-direction and generating an X-direction read address, an X-direction write address generator for delaying the processed-block position signal and a field processed-block clock signal, and generating the X-direction write address of four phases, a Y-direction write address generator for producing a Y-direction write address, and a read & write controller for selecting outputting the X-direction and Y-direction read and write addresses according to a read/write selection toggle si
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Gi Hwan Song
  • Patent number: RE38721
    Abstract: The polymerizable dental isolation barrier has a monomer and an initiator. The barrier composition has at least one additive including a polymer strength reducer, a wet tissue adherence accentuator, and a reflective material. The polymer strength reducer is an organic compound that prevents complete polymerization. The tissue adherence accentuator enables the barrier to adhere to a dental substrate even after polymerization. The reflective material lowers the reaction rate and lowers the production of excess heat to reduce patient discomfort and to avoid tissue damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Jensen, Dan E. Fischer
  • Patent number: RE38722
    Abstract: The polymerizable dental isolation barrier has a monomer and an initiator. The barrier composition has at least one additive including a polymer strength reducer, a wet tissue adherence accentuator, and a reflective material. The polymer strength reducer is an organic compound that prevents complete polymerization. The tissue adherence accentuator enables the barrier to adhere to a dental substrate even after polymerization. The reflective material lowers the reaction rate and lowers the production of excess heat to reduce patient discomfort and to avoid tissue damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Jensen, Dan E. Fischer
  • Patent number: RE38723
    Abstract: The subject invention provides substrates useful for analyzing the metabolic activity in cells by improving the retention of a detectable reporter molecule only in intact cells where a particular enzyme is present. In particular, improved retention results from a two part process involving conjugation of haloalkyl-substituted derivatives of a reporter molecule with intracellular cysteine-containing peptides while unblocking the reporter molecule. The substrates have the form XR-SPACER-REPORTER-BLOCK wherein -BLOCK is a group selected to be removable by action of a specific analyte, to give REPORTER spectral properties different from those of the substrate, -REPORTER- is a molecule that, when no longer bound to BLOCK by a BLOCK-REPORTER bond, has spectral properties different from those of the substrate, -SPACER- is a covalent linkage, and XR- is a haloalkyl moiety that can covalently react with an intracellular thiol (Z-S-H) to form a thioether conjugate (Z-S-R).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Molecular Probes, Inc.
    Inventors: Fei Mao, Ram Sabnis, John Naleway, Nels Olson, Richard P. Haugland
  • Patent number: RE38724
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining and communicating shortest elapsed time route information to users wherein information of desired origin and destination combinations is received from the users in a central processor or computer, instant rates of travel on multiple route segments interconnecting various possible origins and destinations being monitored and transferred to the central processor which then calculates the route segment or segment combination providing shortest elapsed time routes for each origin-destination combination and transmitting that information to the respective user. Communication between the central processor and the users is preferably by telephone and more preferably by cellular telephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas D. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6877167
    Abstract: A protective guard includes an at least substantially waterproof drape and a collar that extends upwardly from a central opening in the drape and leaves at least a substantial portion of a patient's back and chest exposed for bathing. The drape covers a catheter exit site in or near a patient's neck. In a preferred embodiment, the drape includes first and second arm portions, which cover first and second shoulder and surround at least a portion of an arm extending therefrom. The collar extends upwardly from a central opening in the drape and encircles a patient's neck. A slit in the collar permits the guard to slip past the patient's head. Fasteners disposed on either side of the slit secure the guard to itself at an overlapping seam formed by overlapped portions of the drape. The protective guard is easily fastened and released and can be donned with one hand. It is also reversible so that the slit may be positioned either at the front or the rear of the patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: A.B. Korkor Medical Inc.
    Inventor: Adel B. Korkor
  • Patent number: 6877168
    Abstract: A retractable hat tether apparatus for a hat having a cap portion. The tether apparatus includes a guide base movably mounted to the cap portion for movement thereof along a fixed path between a first position and a second position. A flexible tether includes a first end and an opposite second end thereof mounted to the guide base. A clip device is configured for releasable attachment to a user's clothing. The clip device is mounted to the first end such that, when the guide base moves along the fixed path between the first position and the second position, the tether and the clip device move between a retracted condition, positioning the tether substantially along the fixed path, and an extended condition, positioning the tether at an exterior of the cap portion to enable the clip device to be mounted to the user's clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: StreamWorks, LLC
    Inventors: Jim E. Duffy, Bill E. Brauner
  • Patent number: 6877169
    Abstract: The windbreak eye shield type assembly (10) comprises members (19, 19A) for mounting the shield (10) so as to be mobile on a helmet (1), so that the shield (10) can be moved away from the line of sight, under the control of wind pressure sensing members, remaining opposed to the wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Jean-Noel Acquaviva
  • Patent number: 6877170
    Abstract: A toilet water measuring and flow control system, including leak and overflow detection and prevention elements. The system has inlet and outlet flow sensors operably connected to inlet and outlet control valves and to water level sensors to measure and control water flow to and from the toilet. Water level sensors held in a toilet tank are connected to the system to control the volume of water fed to the toilet tank and passing through the outlet. The toilet tank may be provided with a movable reservoir to more accurately control the amount of water held in the tank and exiting the tank upon flushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Niccole Family Trust
    Inventors: Richard Quintana, Devon Niccole
  • Patent number: 6877171
    Abstract: A blow-off nozzle type bathtub with illumination according to the present invention comprises a cap having a plurality of nozzles for blowing off a fluid and for irradiating an illumination light in a head portion and having an inside thereof formed in a hollow shape, a fluid supply member having a distal end opening portion thereof connected to the hollow inside of the cap and a proximal end opening portion thereof connected to a fluid supply source which is subjected to a drive control, a light guide member which has an end surface of a distal end portion thereof directed to said hollow inside of said cap and an end surface of a proximal end portion thereof directed to an illumination light source which is subjected to a drive control, and a fixing member for fixing and supporting the fluid supply member and the light guide member on a bottom wall of a bathtub vessel on a plurality of nozzles which are formed in the bottom wall of the bathtub vessel as through holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Hideo Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6877172
    Abstract: A faucet has a spout and a pullout spray head connected to a flexible water supply tube and releasably connectable to the spout. The spout has a docking collar mounted thereon for receiving a connecting shaft of the spray head. The docking collar has an annular wall with a plurality of U-shaped slots which define a plurality of cantilevered snap fingers. Each snap finger includes a projection that fits into a groove in the connecting shaft when the spray head is docked. An elastomeric O-ring surrounds the annular wall at a point where the O-ring engages the snap fingers to bias them toward the groove. Ridges on the exterior surface of the wall retain the O-ring in place. The spout and docked spray head have parallel shoulders that define a mating plane. The projections and groove define a retaining plane. The mating plane is not parallel to the retaining plane such that rotation of the spray head about an axis normal to the mating plane will cause the projections to release from the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael L. Malek, W. Randall Tucker
  • Patent number: 6877173
    Abstract: A co-sleeper convertibly adapted for use as a changing table, bassinet or play yard is described. The invention includes a first rigid enclosure that has four walls and a floor with the front wall capable of being positioned at an upper level equal to the remaining walls or at a second lower level. The first enclosure is capable of supporting a second enclosure within it that has four walls, a floor and can support a mattress. The co-sleeper is secured at one side of a parental bed with the co-sleeper mattress positioned a short distance below the level of the mattress of the parental bed. The front wall of the invention is placed in the second, lowered position for use as a co-sleeper or changing table and positioned at the upper level when the invention is used as a play yard or bassinet. The front wall has a fixed lower portion and a raisable upper portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Arms Reach Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Tharalson, Diana Tharalson, Bruce Martin
  • Patent number: 6877174
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for suspending slats of a bed base, the device being constituted by a one-piece unit presenting a top section having two housings for receiving the ends of two parallel slats, a bottom section provided with anchor means to anchor said unit to a bed frame, and an intermediate section connecting the top section to the bottom section and constituting the resilient suspension element, said bottom section having a vertical bottom wall for bearing against an inside face of said frame and a horizontal top wall for resting on the top face of said frame, and said unit presenting a vertical plane of symmetry perpendicular to said top wall and to said bottom wall, wherein the intermediate section is constituted by semicylindrical wall portions that are substantially bodies of revolution about axes perpendicular to the plane of symmetry, said wall portions connecting the top section to the bottom section, and said axes of revolution being disposed inside the volume defined by said top sect
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Tournadre S.A. Standard Gum
    Inventor: Jacques Lobry
  • Patent number: 6877175
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a bed covering to a bed includes an elongated member having an anchor at one end and a connector at the other end. The elongated member is placed between the mattress and the box spring with the anchor at the head of the bed and the connector near the foot of the bed, the connector being attached to the bed covering. When pulled toward the foot of the bed, the anchor firmly wedges itself between the mattress and box spring preventing the connector from moving and thereby keeping the bed covering in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventors: Deidra B. Jeffries, Sandra B. Brazier
  • Patent number: 6877176
    Abstract: A cushion for supporting an infant is provided. The cushion includes a pad that may be formed of a resilient foam material. The pad includes a lower surface and an upper surface oriented at an acute angle thereto such that the upper surface is inclined relative to a support surface. The acute angle formed thereby may be between 20° and 30°. The cushion may be received within a polyester casing, but may simply include a top panel to be disposed on the pad's upper surface. The cushion includes at least one positioning member, but preferably two positioning members, with means for releasably fastening to the top panel to support the infant. Preferably, the positioning member includes a filaform strip for releasably attaching to a fabric material such as 100% polyester tricot and is formed of a resilient foam material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Barbara S. Houghteling
  • Patent number: 6877177
    Abstract: A bedding foundation is manufactured with a cover having a welt cord extending upwardly to create a seal when a mattress is placed on the foundation. The cover is made using a two stage process. During the first stage a sewing machine is used to join a welt cord to a web of border material. In the second stage a second sewing machine sews a piece of non-skid decking to the border assembly. Fullness may be incorporated into the border material to enable the cover to fit around the corners of the bedding foundation with the welt cord being spaced inwardly from the perimeter of the foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Steven Marcangelo
  • Patent number: 6877178
    Abstract: A pressure pad has two sets of cells with a sensor pad positioned under the pad. During inflation, part of the flow goes to the sensor pad to exhaust and the rest fills the cells. Any change in patient position/weight causing a change in airflow in tube will alter the differential pressure measured at a pressure transducer. Based on this feedback a microprocessor directly controls the power level to the pump, thus adjusting the airflow to the cells to prevent bottoming or to rung at a minimum pressure. The pressure pad is segmented into a heel section, upper leg section, torso section, and a head section. The heel, head, and upper leg sections are maintained at a lower pressure, and the torso section at a higher pressure. A control module to control the flow in the segments is provided inside the pressure pad. The pressure pad can be an alternating or static pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Huntleigh Technology, PLC
    Inventors: Paul William Chapman, Jane Harbige, Daniel Kemp, Anthony George Smith
  • Patent number: 6877179
    Abstract: A handle to grip a broadhead arrow head enabling the handle and arrow head combination to form a knife suitable for hunting purposes. The handle includes a release button, a wrench, and a first and a second cavity. The first cavity accepts a shaft on the rear of the broadhead to aid in connecting the broadhead and handle. The release button activates a grip mechanism which locks the broadhead in the handle, while the wrench serves to aid in loosening or tightening the broadhead to the arrow shaft. The second cavity houses a sharpening guide which attaches to the handle and guides a sharpening rod at the correct angle to sharpen the broadhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Anthony Marfione
  • Patent number: 6877180
    Abstract: A street sweeper system is used typically in a motorized vehicle. The sweeper utilizes a cylindrical brush rotating about an axis generally perpendicular to the vehicle's direction of motion. A conveyor belt catches debris thrown forwards and upward by the brush and moves the debris to a hopper. A cutoff flap is mounted contacting a front portion of the brush. The cutoff flap deflects debris that moves upwards along a front portion of the brush back downwards to be recollected at the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Tennant
    Inventors: Michael S. Wilmo, Archie A. Weidner
  • Patent number: 6877181
    Abstract: A multipurpose cleaning implement that functions both as a broom and a scuff removing device. The exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a plastic base that serves as the attachment point for (i) a plurality of bristles (ii) a handle, and (iii) a device that is useful for removing scuff marks from floors. A first general embodiment of the scuff removing device includes a friction forming material that has been attached to a base or support that includes a rounded or curved forward surface. A second general embodiment of the scuff removing device includes a detachable scuff remover that includes a piece of friction forming material mounted on a base which may be clipped to the end of a broom handle opposite the broom head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Freudenberg Household Products LP
    Inventors: Christopher J. Laux, Andrew B. Mendenhall
  • Patent number: 6877182
    Abstract: An improvement to a four sided trash container having wheels and a hinged lid includes a ramp in at least one side of the can near an upper rim of the container, the ramp being either fixed or pivotal, with the upper rim on which the ramp is located also including a tapered sweep above the ramp, for raking or sweeping debris into the container without the debris falling back out of the container during filling of the container while on its side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Felix A. Hutson
  • Patent number: 6877183
    Abstract: Steam cleaning appliance comprising a carter housing a steam-generating device, and supply means for the steam thus generated, said means comprising: a supply mouth of the steam-generating device communicating with a supply nozzle, which can be coupled with steam supply tools, said mouth and said nozzle being connected by means of a first and a second pipe. The first pipe being provided with first shut off means for the steam flow arranged directly downstream from said mouth, and further equipped with control means which can be operated manually, and the second pipe being provided with second shut off means for the steam flow arranged directly upstream from said nozzle. Opening means are provided for said second shut off means, which can be operated by coupling said nozzle with a given steam supply tool, said tool being provided with steam supply control means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Ariete S.p.A.
    Inventors: Carlo Rosa, Paolo Fanciullacci
  • Patent number: 6877184
    Abstract: This invention relates to a two-piece grommet adapted for holding a cable in an aperture, such as in a desk or work surface so as to absorb any strain imposed on the cable and to provide an attractive covering for the hole drilled to pass the cable. The grommet consists of two portions. The first portion comprises a cylindrical sleeve having a circular lip. The second portion comprises a cap having an extended flange and adapted to frictionally fit into the cylindrical sleeve and against the lip. The cap has an aperture cut into it through which the cable passes. A pivotal tab is connected under the cap to close the aperture when no cable passes therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Douglas A. J. Mockett
  • Patent number: 6877185
    Abstract: A caster device is disclosed for movably supporting a load. The caster device includes a wheel for supporting the load and a wheel support having a first and a second extremity. The first extremity of the wheel support supports the wheel for rotation of the wheel about an axis of rotation. The second extremity of the wheel support defines an aperture and the wheel support has a first surface and a second surface. A support stem has a first and a second end, the support stem extending through the aperture such that the aperture is disposed between the first and the second end of the support stem. The second end of the support stem is connected to the load for supporting the load. Also, a leaf spring is disposed between the aperture and the second end of the support stem such that the leaf spring resiliently contacts the load and cushions the load relative to the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Earl J. Reilly, Robert F. Karas, Stephen M. Devine
  • Patent number: 6877186
    Abstract: A swingable handle for a hand tool includes a rear handle body with two spaced apart walls that confine a replacement bit receiving space for receiving replacement tool bits, a front handle body having a mount end portion for connection with a tool shaft, and a coupling end portion pivoted to and turnable relative to the front end of the rear handle body between normal and torque enhancing positions, and a lid member having a front end coaxially pivoted to the front end of the rear handle body and the coupling end portion so as to be turnable between open and closed positions, and a cover portion that covers the receiving space in the closed position and that permits access to the receiving space in the open position. A retaining member is disposed to arrest the coupling end portion in one of the normal and torque enhancing positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Hsuan-Sen Shiao
  • Patent number: 6877187
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for a block and tackle window balance to be incorporated in single and double hung window assemblies. In one embodiment the block and tackle window balance includes a roller secured within a bottom guide to increase range of travel of a window sash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Amesbury Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Roger Newman
  • Patent number: 6877188
    Abstract: A method of strengthening a conveyable fiber lap in an endlessly circulating conveying device is provided. The method includes conveying the fiber lap using first and second converging rollers, each roller having an outer surface, at least the first roller being provided with profile elements on its outer surface, the profile elements being non-continuous in an axial direction of the first roller; subjecting the fiber lap to a pressure when the fiber lap passes through a gap between the first and second rollers; and strengthening the fiber lap by exerting the pressure by the converging rollers and the profile elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Trützschler GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gregor Eschenbruch, Armin Leder
  • Patent number: 6877189
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing friction in a cam buckle for tightening a strap. The cam buckle includes a frame, a brake member, a roller member, a biasing element and a webbed strap. The brake member includes a serrated surface and is rotatably coupled to the frame and pivotal about a first axis. The roller member is rotatably coupled to the frame about a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis are substantially parallel to each other. The biasing element is operable to bias the serrated surface of the brake member toward the roller member. The webbed strap is formed from a polymeric material and is operable to be biased between the serrated surface and the roller member so that the brake member biases the webbed strap against the roller member. With this arrangement, when the webbed strap is placed in tension, such tension is maintained by preventing movement of the webbed strap in one direction and allowing movement in a second direction to increase the tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventors: Eric Simonson, Roger Simonson
  • Patent number: 6877190
    Abstract: A strap fastener intended for locking at least one strap tightenably arranged in the strap fastener. The locking of the strap or each of the straps is effected by means of a leaf spring (1) and a roller (2, 3) rotatably arranged in some distance from an end edge (4, 5) of the leaf spring (1). The distance is adapted in such a manner that the strap or each of the straps during the locking may be clamped between the respective roller (2, 3) and edge (4, 5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Jan Gisle Berger
  • Patent number: 6877191
    Abstract: An improved band clamp for securely clamping the end of a flexible hose to one of at least a rigid pipe, a cast outlet of a radiator, a charge air cooler and a turbocharger in order to prevent fluid communication between the two. The improved band clamp includes a clamp band which is configured to circumvent a substantial portion of the hose. The clamp band defines first and second ends, each of which is defined by a terminal portion of the clamp band folded over on itself to define a double thickness, and then formed in an arcuate configuration away from the center of the clamp band. A spline is provided for being received between each of the first and second ends of the clamp band. First and second spacers are provided on the outer sides of the clamp band first and second ends. The first spacer, each of the first and second clamp band ends, and the spline each define an opening to cooperatively receive a bolt. The second spacer defines a threaded opening to receive the bolt in threaded engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: DWWS, LLC
    Inventors: Dan T. Logan, Steven E. Yates
  • Patent number: 6877192
    Abstract: Both sides of a fastener chain may be reinforced and an attachment object such as a bag or a case may be mounted in a stabilized condition. A reinforcement member, which is molded of thermoplastic resin, thermoplastic elastomer or synthetic rubber in the form of a turned-down U shape in its cross section and has an appropriate plasticity and flexibility, is bonded along both outer sides of a fastener chain with a thermal welding resin film. The reinforcement member has a mounting groove which enables a cloth of the attachment object such as the bag or the case to be mounted and further contains a concave groove for a sewing thread, provided in the surface thereof. The cloth of the attachment object is inserted into the mounting groove and sewed along the concave groove with a sewing thread. Consequently, the reinforcement member can be mounted simply in a stabilized condition and can ensure a long term use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka Tominaga, Toshiaki Takizawa
  • Patent number: 6877193
    Abstract: A releasable fastener system comprises a loop portion and a hook portion. The loop portion includes a support and a loop material disposed on one side thereof whereas the hook portion includes a support and a plurality of closely spaced upstanding hook elements extending from one side thereof. When the hook portion and loop portion are pressed together they interlock to form a releasable engagement. The resulting joint created by the engagement is relatively resistant to shear and pull forces and weak in peel strength forces. The hook elements are formed of a magnetorheological elastomer that provides a change in shape orientation and/or flexural modulus of the hook elements. In this manner, the shape orientation and/or flexural modulus of the hook elements can be remotely changed to provide a reduction or magnification in the shear and/or pull-off forces in addition to providing variable damping capabilities to the fastener system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Ottaviani, John C. Ulicny, Mark A. Golden
  • Patent number: 6877194
    Abstract: A clip is provided for holding a stack of trays and a tray cover. The clip has a base having a width providing clearance for a width of a tray and a cut-away relief area for finger access. First and second opposing resilient side walls and a resilient back wall extend upward from the base, forming a structure with an open front and top. First and second resilient, elongated and downwardly curved members are included, each having a proximal end attached to an upper front of a corresponding side wall, and a distal end attached to the back wall. The resilient members are positioned so as to apply pressure to first and second opposing perimeter portions of a tray placed in the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Peak Plastic & Metal Products (International) Ltd.
    Inventors: Scott C. Bradley, James D. Pylant
  • Patent number: 6877195
    Abstract: An assembly for construction into a casket bed frame for supporting a body. The casket bed frame includes a rectangular frame formed of a pair of first rails and second rails wherein a plurality of corrugated metal strips extend between the second rails. The rails of the metal frame advantageously interlock at their ends to form the rectangular frame without the use of tools. A plurality of lances are spaced along each of the second rails and are configured to extend through holes in the ends of the corrugated strips for easy attachment of the strips to the second rails. The rectangular frame may be further reinforced, and the stretcher springs supported, by a pair of stretcher supports that each have crimped ends configured to extend over and embrace the first rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Edmond P. Guillot
  • Patent number: 6877196
    Abstract: A method for changing the position of fibers in a nonwoven web to improve the isotropy of the web by using angled stream of fluid wherein the streams form a substantially coplanar curtain and impinge on the fibers at their leading ends, trailing ends or sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: James Marshall Oathout, Phillip O. Staples, Donald Floyd Miller
  • Patent number: 6877197
    Abstract: The invention provides a process for treating a polyester fiber comprising the steps of providing a bicomponent fiber comprising poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) which has been heat-treated at a first temperature and cooled to lower than about 70° C. and has an initial crimp contraction value and a developed crimp contraction value, applying tension to the fiber of about 0.001 to 0.088 dN/tex, heat-treating the fiber at a second heat-treating temperature no lower than about 75° C. and no higher than the first heat-treating temperature, cooling the fiber to lower than the second heat-treating temperature, and releasing the tension from the fiber to give a fiber having a reduced crimp contraction value. The invention also provides a bicomponent fiber comprising poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) having a reduced crimp contraction value of about 6% to 15%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Invista North America S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: James E. Van Trump, Carmen A. Covelli, Jamie Lee Gossler, Clive Mapp, David J. Marfell
  • Patent number: 6877198
    Abstract: A liner remover and installer assembly for a cylinder that includes a base having an opening to receive a rod with a tool at an end, an adjustment member and a support member. The support member can have an alignment feature adapted to mate with a dowel pin on an engine block. The tool can be a liner installer or remover. The liner remover can have a shoe with a lip. The support member and the lip can be made from a material that will not score the engine such as aluminum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Shevela