Combined Patents (Class 160/127)
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Patent number: 6572173Abstract: A sun shield, having disengageable swivel bearing, rollable and flexible solar modules on a support material made of scrim tissue or taffeta with layer material to form a laminate, organic (OLED) or polymer (PLED) luminous diodes, has a small cross section in which for an enlargement of the solar surface the support material with thin-layer elements is arranged to be extended and retracted from the sun shield. A component which can be snapped in the opening on the back of the sun shield can be disengaged and used as a flashlight outside the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventor: Hermann-Frank Müller
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Patent number: 6552850Abstract: The present invention provides a device, method, and system for secure viewing and use of banking and other electronic access devices. The present invention comprises a computer/video display system that includes a computer with a conventional screen that displays a polarized screen image and a polarized partition that allows viewing of the screen by the user positioned in front of the display, while preventing viewing by secondary observers. The present invention operates in conjunction with a standard liquid crystal display (LCD), using the intact polarizer of the LCD. The present invention is intended to be used in conjunction with an automatic teller machine/customer access terminal (ATM/CAT) or personal computer (PC) to allow privacy of information displayed to the ATM/CAT or PC user, without preventing observation of the ATM/CAT or PC user.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1998Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Citicorp Development Center, Inc.Inventor: Edward Dudasik
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Patent number: 6434877Abstract: A collapsible hunter's blind apparatus, for enclosing a hunter in a truncated triangularly-shaped enclosure, comprising: first and second vertically draping camouflage panels, a first horizontal telescopic frame member for horizontally supporting the first vertically draping camouflage panel, and a second horizontal telescopic frame member for horizontally supporting the second vertically draping camouflage panel. The first and second horizontal telescopic frame members are coupled to the sides of a tree trunk via an adjustable strap member. The collapsible hunter's blind apparatus further comprises an arc-shaped strap member which provides a reciprocating force to counterbalance gravitational forces and the weight of the horizontally supported first and second vertically draping camouflage panels acting on the first and second telescopic horizontal support members, respectively, to maintain each of the first and second telescopic horizontal support members substantially horizontal.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1998Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Inventor: Dennis Shelton
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Patent number: 6304377Abstract: A wall and/or projection board which can be used on both sides and can be engaged in a horizontal wall rail. At least a first engagement element is connected to the wall-board element via a vertical pivot-spindle connection. The vertical pivot-spindle connection is designed such that, following disengagement of a second engagement element, the wall-board element can be pivoted through 180° about the vertical pivot-spindle connection retained by the first engagement element and can be engaged in the wall rail on the other side in relation to the first engagement element.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1999Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Werndl BüroMöbel AGInventor: Andreas Murr
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Patent number: 6289967Abstract: A shower curtain made of breathable fabric, which holds replaceable and disposable potpourri sachets. The fragrance is formed by the release of natural scents of potpourri ingredients through sachets comprised of tightly meshed netting. The potpourri sachets are retained within the rotund pockets of the shower curtain, which are sealed with velcro. Fragrance is additionally enhanced by the release of steam from warm shower or bath water saturating the atmosphere, and the bathroom is perfumed by the potpourri sachets. Furthermore, selected potpourri ingredients produce an environment conducive to aromatherapy.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Inventor: Victoria G. Moore
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Patent number: 6213191Abstract: A screen for use in a work environment providing a generally planar surface is disclosed. The screen includes a frame providing an outer perimeter tending to a first shape. The screen further includes a web at least partially circumscribed by the frame and having a shape at least partially defined by the shape of the outer perimeter of the frame. The screen also includes a mounting assembly configured to attach the frame to the surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.Inventor: Robert W. Nitzsche
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Patent number: 6192628Abstract: A new vehicle window pet barrier for blocking an open window of a vehicle to prevent a pet in the vehicle from escaping through the open window. The inventive device includes an open frame defining a central opening. In a preferred embodiment, the open frame further comprises a plurality of elongate cross members extending across the central opening of the frame. A fan for blowing air is coupled to the open frame.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Inventors: Elden Pinheiro, Joe Pinheiro
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Patent number: 6170553Abstract: A vehicle windshield shading apparatus including an elongated rectangular housing securable to a roof of an interior of an automobile above a windshield thereon. A sheet of fabric is provided that is dimensioned for covering the windshield. The sheet of fabric has an upper end secured within the housing in a retracted orientation and extending across the windshield in an extended orientation. A ceramic fragrance strip is removably secured to a surface of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventor: Tina Villarreal-Chavez
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Patent number: 6070639Abstract: A main opaque shade, and one or more translucent shades, all on rollers, and capable of being individually drawn and retracted. They are positioned as in layers fore to fore and spaced from inner to outer positions, with the opaque shade outermost. The translucent shades let substantial light through and have patterns or figures thereon to cast patterns in the inner space. When more than one translucent shade is used, they can be adjusted toward and from the main opaque shade.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1998Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Inventors: Harold M. Winston, Patricia E. Winston
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Patent number: 6019155Abstract: An extendable surface comprising a plurality of triangular leaves is disclosed. The leaves are arranged one above another and are hingedly mounted at the apex of each leaf for rotational motion between a retracted position in which the leaves are arranged in overlapping relation, to an extended position in which the leaves are adjacent to one another. The leaves have interengaging hooks along their edges which link the leaves together in the extended position and seal the surface, preventing water from leaking through the surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1998Date of Patent: February 1, 2000Assignee: Lucent Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Bassel H. Daoud
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Patent number: 6009928Abstract: A multiple-style complex window of two uses includes a casing, a push-out window, a slide window and a screen fixed in said casing. The push-out window may be pushed out, and the slide window and the screen may be pushed sidewise to an inside or behind the push-out window. A middle post is provided to separate the push-out window from the slide window and the screen. The push-out window, the slide window and the screen are positioned orderly from the outside to the inside so that the latter two may be slid to behind the push-out window.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1997Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Inventor: Yueh-Chi Wu
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Patent number: 5934349Abstract: A retractable awning for mounting on a support surface includes an awning canopy and supporting rafter and support arms with the canopy having its outer edge secured to a roll bar. The roll bar includes an elongated groove in which a fan is removably mounted with the fan including a mister system for humidifying the air emanating from the fan blades. The awning includes connection lines for a supply of liquid and electric power for the fan.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1997Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: Carefree/Scott Fetzer CompanyInventor: Kenneth M. Faller
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Patent number: 5904199Abstract: A new garage door screen for allowing for a garage to be ventilated. Also included is a screen door having a generally rectangular configuration. The screen door is defined by a peripheral frame including opposed long upper and lower members and opposed short side members. The peripheral frame has a mesh screen extending therewithin. The long upper member is hingedly secured to a bottom edge of a garage door. The screen door hangs below the bottom edge of the garage door in an open orientation.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1998Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Inventor: Caroline F. Messner
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Patent number: 5816417Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and improved clothes line assembly having integrated means for concealing clothing hanging thereon. Privacy screens are received within a top frame section and may be pulled down providing an enclosure. The invention is supported by hollow base members that may be filled with sand or a similar weighted material providing stabilization to the assembly. The weighted material may be removed allowing the assembly to be easily and inexpensively moved or shipped.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1997Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Inventor: Joan Marie Reaves
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Patent number: 5813450Abstract: Disclosed is a sunshade for car back window for mounting on a deck extending between the back window and a back seat of a car and mainly including two independent but laterally symmetrical folding blinds and a mounting mechanism for locating the two folding blinds at a desired position. The mounting mechanism includes a base, a compression spring, a supporting seat, a rectangular pipe, an adjusting nut, a top cover, and two fragrant cakes. The base has an upwardly projected threaded stem which extends through the compression spring and the supporting seat into the adjusting nut such that the compression spring and the supporting seat are assembled to the base to form an integral unit. Turning the adjusting nut changes the height of the supporting seat relative to the base, prevent the sunshade from striking articles on the mounting deck.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1997Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Assignee: Formosa Saint Jose CorporationInventor: Ming-Shun Yang
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Patent number: 5713621Abstract: A vehicle rolling shutter system with magnetic door-ajar and compartment light switch. In combination with a vehicle, the rolling shutter system has a roller shutter, constructed of a number of interconnected links, for movement along guide rails positioned at opposing sides of an access opening to a cargo compartment of the vehicle. A lamp, for illuminating the cargo compartment, is positioned within the cargo compartment. An indicator lamp is positioned on a dashboard of the vehicle. The roller shutter has a lift bar which is mounted by mounting members to a lower portion of the roller shutter. The lift bar engages with strike blocks, positioned at opposing sides of the access opening to the cargo compartment, for retaining the roller shutter in a closed position. At least one of the strike blocks contains a magnetic switch element connected to the lamps.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1996Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Assignee: Rom CorporationInventors: Don Krenkel, Clayton Smith
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Patent number: 5673827Abstract: What is disclosed is a self-supporting foldable portable apparatus to transport garments and to function as a self-supporting foldable portable dressing area in remote locations where dressing facilities are not available. The apparatus comprises two foldable back sections, connected by a central support, foldable legs attached to the foldable back sections, wheels attached to each of the foldable back sections in combination with an extendible telescoping pole with locking means and a means to support garments, containers or other items.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1996Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Inventor: John Lamberti
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Patent number: 5640297Abstract: An informative entertainment system for travelers including a computer enclosure installable into a rear face of a passenger seat. An interactive computer system is situated within the computer enclosure and comprises a liquid crystal display screen positioned on a front face thereof. Software is installed in the computer system and adapted to coincidently display information pertinent to regions, cities, and other areas of concern along a specific route of travel as the traveler is in the proximity thereof. The software is further adapted to allow interaction with the traveler. Also included is a shutter enclosure positioned in the proximity of the computer enclosure with flexible shutter disposed therein. The shutter has a first orientation for precluding access to the computer system and a second orientation for allowing access to the computer system.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1995Date of Patent: June 17, 1997Inventor: Ducarmel Labaze
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Patent number: 5433259Abstract: A retractable awning includes a weather protective articulated slat system for protecting the awning when in a retracted position with a solar cell panel incorporated into an articulated slat and connected to a battery for charging the battery.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1993Date of Patent: July 18, 1995Assignee: Carefree/Scott Fetzer CompanyInventor: Thomas G. Faludy
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Patent number: 5362923Abstract: The invention is a furniture system and method for distributing and managing cabling through a work space and assisting in facility space planning. The system includes a plurality of free-standing horizontal cable housing units which are aligned end to end, either in a straight line or at an angle. Each of these horizontal housing units includes a top, a bottom, and two sidewalls which together define a hollow chamber open at both ends. At least one of the sidewalls is easily demountable to provide access to the hollow chamber of the housing unit. The system further includes a first raceway for electrical power cabling mounted within the hollow chamber, and a second raceway for communication cabling mounted within the hollow chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1992Date of Patent: November 8, 1994Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Newhouse, Donald A. Shepherd, Robert A. Harvey
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Patent number: 5148849Abstract: A lighted retractable awning includes a roll bar about which a canopy can be rolled with the roll bar having an elongated recess therein adapted to receive a light source. The light source includes an electrical cord having a plug on one end adapted to be received in an electrical outlet in a support surface on which the awning is mounted.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1990Date of Patent: September 22, 1992Assignee: Carefree/Scott Fetzer CompanyInventor: Thomas G. Faludy
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Patent number: 5016391Abstract: An insulated dock plate cover is provided which is connected to the door and thus moves automatically to raised and lowered positions as the door is opened and closed. The forward end of the dock plate cover is connected directly to the lower end of the door while the rear end of the cover is connected by cables which are operatively connected to the conventional door cables in turn connected to a motorized overhead drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1990Date of Patent: May 21, 1991Assignee: Energy Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Paul Miller, Tommy L. Thompson
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Patent number: 4971130Abstract: A weather seal covering assembly includes a base unit mounted on the casing surrounding the window and a covering unit releasably attached to the base unit by a triple seal. The covering unit can be removed to expose the window, and the triple seal includes a zipper unit, a snap fastener unit and a hook-and-loop unit. An intrusion alarm uses the snap fastener elements. The intrusion alarm is also activated should the covering unit be moved away from the base unit, and a vacuum system further seals the covering unit to the base unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1989Date of Patent: November 20, 1990Inventor: Richard P. Bentley
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Patent number: 4969500Abstract: A wind screen apparatus is set forth wherein a plural series of screen sections are provided with post members secured therebetween. The screen sections include cylindrical pockets orthogonally aligned relative to the longitudinal extent of each screen section for securely receiving an associated post therein. Each post includes a pointed lowermost end for securement each post into a soil or sand support. The screen organization further includes electrical line and illumination members mounted on each screen section for illumination of each screen section for visibility during periods of limited light condition, such as during the evening hours. Further, a support member with handles mounted on each end thereof is provided for transport of the apparatus when the apparatus is inter-rolled about itself.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1989Date of Patent: November 13, 1990Inventor: Seweryn S. Makosa
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Patent number: 4875650Abstract: A bracket for wall attachment having a channel on its underside to receive a drapery supporting track. An uppermost surface of the bracket includes inclined surfaces to facilitate inclined drilling of the bracket and subsequent installation of a fastener for passage into supporting room wall construction. An inclined surface on the bracket provides a visual reference during drilling of the bracket. A recessed area in the bracket uppermost surface receives the lower extremity of a plate or other item to be displayed.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1988Date of Patent: October 24, 1989Inventor: Jeffrey W. Goodell
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Patent number: 4730423Abstract: A sun protection assembly (10) for shielding an air conditioner/heat pump from the direct rays of the sun. The assembly comprises a frame (12) to which a screen (14) is attached. Front and rear legs (16) are attached to the frame to support the assembly a predetermined distance above the ground.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1987Date of Patent: March 15, 1988Assignee: Pulaski IndustriesInventor: Gary W. Hughes
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Patent number: 4597549Abstract: An aircraft mid-cabin divider comprises a double-bulkhead, a vertical wrapping-post within the double-bulkhead, and a wrap-around door having a series of parallel vertical panels flexibly interconnected wherein the first vertical panel is hingeably secured to the vertical wrapping post and a second vertical panel on the substantially opposite end of the door from the first one includes a handle and latch for directing the movement of the tambour door and latching the same about an opposing edge. To be placed in its stowed or open position, the tambour door is rolled backwards around the vertical wrapping-post and drawn between the double bulkheads. A passageway is provided within one of the double-bulkheads through which the door handle may be traversed while the door is inside of the bulkheads.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1984Date of Patent: July 1, 1986Assignee: Falcon Jet CorporationInventor: James M. Ryan
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Patent number: 4501311Abstract: A system for production of Roman type shades formed of multilayers of material is shown according to the teachings of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Generally, Roman type shades include pulling cords strung through rings attached to the shade such that the shade is generally flat when down and the shade falls into pleats when the pulling cords are pulled. The system of the present invention includes an array of linearly connected ring connectors for automatic distribution and insertion by an attachment tool. The ring connectors include a T-shaped member having a shank portion connected between the shade ring and a crossbar member. The crossbar may be aligned in the attachment tool with and for introduction into the hollow needle of the attachment tool.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1983Date of Patent: February 26, 1985Inventor: Glenn A. Folland
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Patent number: 4375010Abstract: A modular panel wall system having connectable prewired electrical harnesses in panel top raceways and transition connectors coupling the electrical lines across connecting posts on which the panels are mounted. The transition connectors conceal the wiring in panel junctions. The panels are removably joined at a post. In order to disconnect the panels from the post, the transition couplings extending between the panels must be removed for safety. Lower raceways of the panels have openings into which receptacles for electrical power can easily be inserted, and wires are transferred within a vertical member from the top raceway to the bottom. The receptacles are isolated from the main lower raceways to permit the lower raceways to be used for communication wiring.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1980Date of Patent: February 22, 1983Assignee: Rosemount Office Systems, Inc.Inventor: Lloyd C. Mollenkopf
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Patent number: 4367370Abstract: A panel-type wall system wherein each panel has a pair of electrically connected power blocks disposed adjacent the lower corners thereof. The opposed power blocks of adjacent panels are electrically joined together by a flexible electrical connector which plugs into adjacent power blocks. The power blocks and connectors define an electrical system which extends longitudinally throughout the series of connected panels. The electrical system is preferably a five-wire system to provide three different available circuits at each power block. Each power block is provided with several connector portions for permitting electrical power to be tapped therefrom. Different types of power-taps can be plugged into the power blocks. More specifically, the power-taps include a receptacle unit which can be selectively plugged into either or both sides of each power block, and a light-fixture plug which can also be plugged into each power block.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1979Date of Patent: January 4, 1983Assignee: Haworth Mfg., Inc.Inventors: Harold R. Wilson, Ditmar K. Tillmann
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Patent number: 4360705Abstract: A customized raceway system is disclosed which is designed to be surface mounted along the bottom of a structural panel for quick and easy installation and concealment of telephone and electrical wiring. The raceway system features a corner fitting for interconnecting a pair of raceways and accommodating different panel layout configurations minimizing time and effort of installation by virtue of an open sided construction and selectively removable tabs longitudinally extending along three side edges of rectangular plates of the corner fitting for establishing continuity between isolated raceway communication and power compartments.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1981Date of Patent: November 23, 1982Assignee: The Wiremold CompanyInventor: Wilfred R. Rogers
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Patent number: 4338996Abstract: A combined rolling shutter and ventilating box comprises a housing holding the rolling shutter. A ventilating box has horizontal and vertical air duct sections divided into a first duct section part receiving warm air to be exhausted from an interior room and a second duct section part receiving fresh air from the atmosphere. A ventilator exhausts the warm air through the first duct section part and the exhausted warm air is vented to the atmosphere. A fresh air inlet communicates with the second duct section and a ventilator draws the fresh air therethrough. A heat exchanger in the air duct sections extends transversely through the air flow through the first and second duct parts.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1980Date of Patent: July 13, 1982Inventor: Wilhelm Frank
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Patent number: 4239932Abstract: A partition wiring system includes panels supported by either square or round posts and having electrical raceways beneath the panels with each containing a harness assembly provided with male and female connectors at opposite ends. Series of harness assemblies are joined to one another by mating male and female contacts to deliver current to electrical outlets contained in any one or all of the posts or alternatively, any one or all of the electrical raceways. Variably positionable contact elements on the male and female connectors allow the union of adjacent connectors whether the respective panels are disposed in a straight line or at right angles to one another in a system employing square posts and in a system utilizing round posts, additionally, all intermediate angles. The open bottom of each electrical raceway may be enclosed by either a slidable cover or a disparate telephone wiring raceway.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1979Date of Patent: December 16, 1980Assignee: GF Business Equipment, Inc.Inventors: Melvin A. Textoris, Richard Rauschenberg
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Patent number: 4232183Abstract: An arrangement for facilitating wiring of partition structures for the supply of electrical power thereto, particularly partition structures employing a plurality of wall panels and cooperable elongated supporting columns therefor in which the vertical end edges of at least a pair of adjacent panels are supported by cooperable connecting means from a common hollow column, with the column forming a connecting conduit for electrical conductors associated with the respective wall panels, whereby the connecting wiring between wall panels is disposed within the column. The invention includes novel arrangements for effecting electrical connections between panels and power supply lines, between panels and between lamp fixtures supported by the panels, as well as novel connecting structures between panels and supporting columns. The invention also includes novel supporting means for connecting wall panels with such a column.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1977Date of Patent: November 4, 1980Inventor: Nelson H. Person
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Patent number: 3935671Abstract: A modular planter panel system comprising a plurality of substantially identical modules forms decorative room dividers, partitions, or the like, by utilizing climbing plants such as ivy or vines. Each module substantially comprises: a frame; a planter box fixedly attached to the bottom portion of the frame and including the climbing plant; and relatively flexible means connecting associated portions of the frame for supporting the growing portions of the plant. Further means are included for supporting the module from the ceiling, from a horizontal overhead track, from a wall, or on the floor.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 1974Date of Patent: February 3, 1976Inventor: Olaf Soot