Barrier Or Major Section Mounted For In Situ Repositioning; E.g., Rearrangeable Or Rotatable Patents (Class 52/64)
  • Patent number: 6233878
    Abstract: In a sliding wall (10) comprising a plural number of individually slidable wall elements (13), with each of the wall elements (13) at its upper edge near the ceiling being delimited by a horizontally aligned support profile (12), and being laterally slidable along a common track (11) arranged above the support profile (12) by means of at least one running gear (14, 30) attached to the support profile; with each wall element (13) comprising its own drive (17) with an electrically operated drive motor (27), said drive (17) being attached to the wall element (13) and interacting with the track (11) by way of drive means (24, 25), a compact construction and at the same time flexible application are achieved in that the drive motor (27) is arranged within the support profile (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Kaba Gilgen AG
    Inventors: Hans Krähenbühl, Jürg Nyffenegger, Heinz Ulrich
  • Patent number: 6226930
    Abstract: A storage system (20) has substantially-parallel stationary first and second walls (21, 22) spaced from one another. A third wall (29) is mounted for movement relative to the first and second walls. The improvement comprises track means (26) for guiding movement of the third wall relative to the first and second walls. The track means has a first track (31) mounted on the first wall, a second track (32) mounted on the second wall, a carriage (33) mounted on the third wall and operatively engaging the first track for movement therealong, and a second carriage (40) mounted on the third wall and operatively engaging the second track for movement therealong. The improvement further includes locking means (28) operatively arranged to releasably hold at least one of the carriages to the associated track for preventing unintended movement of the third wall relative to the first and second walls. Thus, the third wall may be releasably held in an adjustable position relative to the first and second walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Sovran Acquisition Limited Partnership
    Inventor: David J. Kraatz
  • Patent number: 6223476
    Abstract: A retractable ceiling assembly for a poultry house, characterized by a ceiling which can be selectively raised from a flat to a pitched configuration in order to accommodate high-profile equipment or materials in the poultry house for cleaning, maintenance or storage purposes. In a preferred embodiment the retractable ceiling assembly is characterized by at least one ceiling unit including multiple rafter units which span the width of the poultry house in parallel, spaced-apart relationship with respect to each other. Each of the rafter units includes a pair of cross members pivotally attached to each other at substantially the middle of the rafter unit. A flexible ceiling typically constructed of overlapping sheets of fabric material is mounted on the bottom surfaces of the rafter units. A typically manually-operated winch, mounted on the interior of the poultry house roof at substantially the center of the ceiling unit, is connected to each rafter unit at the pivoting midpoint thereof by means of cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: William C. Lemoine
  • Patent number: 6202364
    Abstract: A prefabricated self-supporting building structure and method of construction is described. The building structure comprises a plurality of substantially triangular shaped panels which are interconnected to one another by a hinge connector and along certain edges thereof whereby to form collapsible roof segments. There are four roof segments in the building structure. The triangular shaped panels are interconnected to form two pre-assembled collapsible panel sections each incorporating a pre-assembled roof segment and panel sections for adjacent roof segments. These two pre-assembled panel sections are erected by simple cable attachments which may be secured to a vehicle and these are interconnected back-to-back. The roof segments are also secured by brackets at their junction points of the panels for securing the roof segments in elevated position on supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Bernard Fredette
  • Patent number: 6185877
    Abstract: The combination greenhouse cold frame apparatus includes two foldable side panels that cover two arched sides that have a plurality of arched vertical legs to provide a framework for the foldable side panels. The arched sides are connected with the help of a junction between them that has a plurality of top frame connectors each having two ends that are dimensioned to receive the arched vertical legs. The top frame connectors also have a U-shaper portion dimensioned to hold the foldable side panels in different stages of retraction. A plurality of securing devices connectable to an exterior of the arched vertical legs is used to secure the foldable side panels when they are in a partially open position. Each foldable side panel can independently or jointly be opened from a top in a downward direction or from a bottom in an upward direction completely or partially, thereby providing adjustable amounts of sunlight and ventilation for plants enclosed by the combination green house and cold frame apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel Lloyd
  • Patent number: 6182401
    Abstract: Transportable living quarters includes a main frame supporting a main living area and a slide out room which slides between an extended and retracted position relative to the main living area. An extendable member is mounted on the main frame and is rigidly connected to the slide out room floor, so that the weight of the slide out room is transferred from the floor of the main living to the extendable member as the slide out room slides between the retracted and extended positions. In one embodiment of the invention, the floor of the slide out room is leveled with respect to the floor of the main living area when the slide out room is moved to the extended position by bending of the extendable support member in response to the weight transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventors: Patrick W. McManus, James E. Dewald, Martin P. McManus
  • Patent number: 6176045
    Abstract: Transportable living quarters includes a main frame supporting a main living area and a slide out room which slides between an extended and retracted position relative to the main living area. An extendable member is mounted on the main frame and is rigidly connected to the slide out room floor, so that the weight of the slide out room is transferred from the floor of the main living to the extendable member as the slide out room slides between the retracted and extended positions. In one embodiment of the invention, the floor of the slide out room is leveled with respect to the floor of the main living area when the slide out room is moved to the extended position by bending of the extendable support member in response to the weight transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventors: Patrick W. McManus, James E. Dewald, Jr., Martin P. McManus
  • Patent number: 6170200
    Abstract: A furniture system is particularly adapted to support group activities in open plans, and the like. A plurality of columns support an overhead framework on the floor of a building in a freestanding fashion at a predetermined elevation, generally above average user height. A plurality of individual panels are provided, wherein each panel is constructed to permit easy, manual, bodily translation of the same by an adult user. A hanger arrangement is associated with the overhead framework, and cooperates with connectors on the panels to detachably suspend the panels at various locations along the overhead framework. The panels are manually reconfigurable between many different arrangements to efficiently and effectively support different group activities. Preferably, the panels are capable of providing a partitioning function to visually divide at least a portion of the workspace, and/or a display function to facilitate group communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Cornell, Robert J. Luchetti, Gregg R. Draudt, Kurt S. Bodden, Linda K. Zimmer
  • Patent number: 6151835
    Abstract: A cover for an elongated and relatively narrow tank or channel is formed from a series of panels arranged in parallel, edge-to-edge fashion, each panel spanning across the channel and resting on rims of the channel. Each panel is formed of a large plurality of side-by-side, preferably edge-connected deck slats having lengths extending in the longitudinal direction of the channel. At junctions between adjacent panels, structural transverse members have deck slat receiving channels for engaging with and supporting ends of the deck slats. In preferred embodiments the transverse structural members are generally L-shaped, with the L-shaped structural member of one channel nesting into the L-shaped structural channel of an adjacent panel, providing for removal of alternate panels by lifting. Deck slats include special handle slats for inclusion near the two transverse ends of the removable panels to enable lifting of the panels for access to the tank or channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Hallsten Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Hallsten
  • Patent number: 6138417
    Abstract: A roof structure for enclosures for swimming pools, spas, or patios and the like includes a plurality of laterally spaced angled roof beams each having a plurality of vertically spaced tracks on facing sides of adjacent beams for sliding receipt of one roof panel in each opposed set of tracks. The trailing ends of each higher panel is releasably latched to the leading end of each succeeding lower panel within their respective tracks, whereby the succeeding lower panels can be successively used to push or pull the preceding higher panels by hand along their respective tracks during assembly and removal of the panels from the roof structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Florida Enclosure Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Woodard, Jeffery O. Bemis
  • Patent number: 6135526
    Abstract: A folding camping trailer having a folding step with an integrated storage compartment generally includes a trailer body defining a doorway opening, a platform having a first side and a second side and a storage compartment connected to the platform. At least one of the platform and storage compartment is pivotally secured to the trailer body such that when the platform is in a first position, the platform is received in the doorway opening, and when the platform is rotated to a second position, the second side of the platform defines a step positioned adjacent the trailer body. In the first position of the platform, the first side of the platform preferably lies substantially in a plane defined by an external surface of the trailer body and the storage compartment is accessible to users of the folding trailer. In the second position of the folding trailer the storage compartment is substantially inaccessible to users of the folding trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Fleetwood Folding Trailers, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles R. Reckner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6108982
    Abstract: A collapsible, folding play structure including wall members which are integrally connected to each other and roof members which are integrally connected to the wall members. Two end roof members lend support to two side roof members which connect to end roof members with tabs. The two side roof members join at the top of the roof with interlocking tabs. The play structure may be folded and stored by folding the roof members outward to the corresponding wall members. The roof and wall members are then folded flat and again folded together to form a flat compact storage state for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Julie McClendon Davison
  • Patent number: 6108989
    Abstract: A movable wall comprises individual suspended door and/or wall elements. The individual elements are automatically locked both to one another and in the floor. For this purpose, in a base profile which is fastened to the underside of the elements, there is structure which effects an automatic locking of the elements to one another and in the floor, when two elements come together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Dorma GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Herbert Kordes, Lars Wehrspann
  • Patent number: 6101766
    Abstract: A module structure toilet room (1) is disclosed. The toilet room is built from module parts (49-52) containing functional units in the form of a toilet bowl (8), a fecal tank (7), a heat exchanger (61), a water tank (13), etc. Each module has connection conduits with quick release couplings for interconnecting the functional units and means for direct mounting of the module parts on the bearing structure of the train wagon. The module parts also have fixed/releasable coupling means (78) for mounting the fitting elements in the form of wall coverings and the like.As the functional units may be built and tested before the final mounting in the train wagon (2), considerable savings may be obtained in the mounting time of the train wagon. Furthermore, the module structure enables the toilet room 1 to be used in several different types of train wagons (2). Furthermore, servicing may be accomplished easily as the functional units are built together and may easily be jointly replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Rail Systems (Denmark) A/S
    Inventor: Poul Christen Mogensen
  • Patent number: 6088968
    Abstract: A wheeled system and a method for installing insulation from bound insulation bales. At least one movable wall that continually moves unbound insulation bales by a drive means toward a dispensing end of the base where shredding of the insulation from the unbound insulation bales occurs. The shredding is accomplished by a plurality of picker drums. Each of the picker drums has positioned on the circumference a plurality of abraders in the form of scoops that abrade and remove clumps of insulation from the unbound bales permitting the clumps to fall into a blender wherein the insulation material is formed into particulate material and then cast into an air blower formed with the hose and nozzle for dispensing the blowing material. A force measurer including a strain gauge is operatively connected to the shredder to determine continuously changes in the horizontally directed force exerted by the insulation bales against the drums of the shredder in order to adjust the force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Everett S. Williston, Jr., Jack D. Coulter, Mark Trabbold, Michael J. Noone, David S. Rivers, Edward F. Pentz
  • Patent number: 6085861
    Abstract: The acoustic tower of the present invention is a portable, acoustic tower that has both a performance position and a storage position. In the storage position, a canopy panel lies substantially parallel proximate an upper panel, both of which are hingedly secured to a cross tube assembly that is supported by a lift tube. The upper panel lies substantially parallel to a lower panel that is fixedly secured to a lower panel assembly having side supports and a center shaft which substantially contains the lift tube. To raise the acoustic tower to the performance position, the canopy panel is raised to one of a plurality of preset angles and maintained in position through use of ratchet and pawl assemblies of the cross tube assembly. With the canopy panel at the desired angle, the upper panel and canopy panel are raised vertically by telescopically elevating the lift tube within the center shaft. The lift tube is elevated by virtue of a winch assembly that is connected to the lift tube by a length of webbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Wenger Corporation
    Inventor: Michael D. Jines
  • Patent number: 6082054
    Abstract: A stadium that is adapted for open use during good weather as well as for covered use during poor weather includes a foundation and a pair of movable end roof members that are movable between first, retracted positions and second, operational positions for covering first and second end areas, respectively, of the stadium. The stadium also includes a center roof member that is movable between a retracted position and an operational position for covering a center area of the stadium. All of the roof members are supported for movement between the retracted positions and the operational positions by a guide and support assembly that includes at least one rail member that is secured to the foundation and a plurality of independently suspended follower assemblies that are mounted to the respective roof member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventors: Cyril J. Silberman, M. David Sadinsky, Barton L. Riberich, Cheuk A. Cheng, Dick Eide, Lennart Nielsen
  • Patent number: 6082385
    Abstract: A structural supporting truss (12) comprises an elongate rib (14) of resilient material connected to a web (16) of fabric material. The rib (14), in use, is elastically deformed to adopt a curved shape. The web (16) extends radially inwardly of the rib (14) along its length, the web (16) acting in tension to retain the rib (14) in its curved condition. The rib (14) may be made of a plurality of segments interconnected by hinges. The web (16) may comprise a plurality of panels (20). The rib (14) is subject to a compressive force. A remarkably stiff truss structure is formed such as may be used as a supporting truss for a tent of like shelter structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Web Engineering & Fabric Technology Limited
    Inventors: Neil Keith Burford, Fraser William Smith, Daniel Cecil Edward Fish
  • Patent number: 6082053
    Abstract: The movable partition system has a plurality of movable partition elements placed on a horizontal rail. Each of at least two of the movable partition elements has its own electric motor. Each electric motor has a current collector connected to it which passes along at least two conductor rails which are part of the electrical circuit when the electric motor is moved. These rails are connected via lines to a control unit which controls the power supply and the operation. One conductor rail is connected with a single line. On the other hand, at least one other conductor rail has a plurality of lines which lead to electrical connections or taps which are isolated from one another by insulators. This isolation permits the control unit to control the individual flow of current to each separate tap. This makes it possible to individually control and position the individual movable partition elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: DORMA GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Bischof, Lothar Ginzel, Stefan Rechsteiner
  • Patent number: 6079174
    Abstract: A vertical movement accommodating apparatus for use with a wall panel includes a cap mounted on a ceiling structure of a room, and a support assembly mounted on a top edge of the wall panel and at least partially disposed within the cap for vertical movement with respect to the cap. The cap is a U-shaped member opening down. The support assembly includes an upper rail, a lower rail, and a truss assembly interconnecting the upper and lower rails. A sealing member is disposed between the upper rail and the cap to provide a sound reducing seal therebetween. The lower rail defines a channel in which a roller mounted on the upper edge of the wall panel is allowed to roll in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Hufcor, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Williams, James M. Durand, Yale Shea
  • Patent number: 6073404
    Abstract: A modular building model is provided. The modular building model includes a base and a lower level module disposed on and engaged with the base. An upper level module is disposed on and engaged with the lower level module. The base includes a releasable securing mechanism that secured the upper level module to the lower level module. The releasable securing mechanism permits easy assembly and disassembly of the model for travelling and storage purposes, and variation of mold buildings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventor: George Norfleet
  • Patent number: 6065253
    Abstract: A playhouse kit which includes a building constructed of thin light weight materials with dry eraser surfaces provided on both the interior and exterior surfaces thereof. The building is constructed using members forming walls, roof, and floor of a house shape structure while the members to construct the house are attached to each other utilizing Velcro.sub..TM. or any other securable attachment means. Numerous magnetically attachable accessories are provided including thematic accessories and/or any accessories which would may interest the child's imagination. In addition to the accessories numerous dry eraser markers in various colors are provided that allows the child to draw on or decorate the interior or exterior surfaces of the playhouse as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventor: Rosa Ojeda
  • Patent number: 6056704
    Abstract: A foot-pressure massage stand and method effectively massages parts of a patient's body by using foot pressure either directly upon the patient by an operator or indirectly when a patient massages himself. The foot-pressure massage stand makes it possible for an operator and a patient or a patient alone to select an appropriate width between the friction wall and the reaction wall. One disclosed method is for the patient to massage himself while sitting on the floor plate, by using various auxiliary tools to massage areas of his or her body such as the back and lateral chests. Another method involves an operator applying foot pressure to a patient permitting the force to be increased by a magnitude of ten. By exerting foot pressure using the massage stand, stronger foot pressure can be achieved than by just using body weight or by leaning against only one wall, thereby achieving a more effective massage than is possible with conventional methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Masatake Ide
  • Patent number: 6052952
    Abstract: A system for extending and retracting moveable rooms that expand the useable living space in recreational vehicles and the like. The system includes a pair of hydraulic extension cylinders positioned within the main structural members, each hydraulic extension cylinder powering a double tube arrangement which is combined with a rail assembly. When in the fully retracted position, the moveable floor rests on the stationary floor and is locked in position by a mechanical catch that locks the outer tube of the dual tube arrangement with the rail assembly. When the room is to be extended, the inner tube is advanced under power of the hydraulic cylinders moving the floor outwardly while maintaining it at the same level above the stationary floor. As the inner end of the moveable floor approaches its final position but before lowering, the rear or inner edge of the moveable floor engages a floor support tube that is attached to the outer tube of the dual tube arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: HWH Corporation
    Inventors: Marc Edward Frerichs, Paul Edmund Hanser
  • Patent number: 6052951
    Abstract: A weather hood is disclosed having a housing and a plurality of hood segments each formed from a pair of spaced apart pivot arms joined by a shell portion. The hood segments are pivotally mounted on the housing for rotation about an axis passing through the ends of the pivot arms. The hood segments pivot between a retracted position, wherein the hood segments are nested one within another within the housing, and an extended position, wherein the hood segments extend from the housing and are positioned adjacent to each other. Hooks extend from edges of the shell portions, each hook interengaging a hook on an adjacent hood segment or the housing to interlock the hood segments in the extended position and limit their rotation. A spring is connected between the housing to the lowermost hood segment to bias the hood segments into the retracted or extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Bassel H. Daoud
  • Patent number: 6050032
    Abstract: A safety fence for a square hatched formed in a slab of a building is provided. The fence has lids pivotable about opposed sides of the hatch, and has such a size that about half of the opening of the hatch is closed by each of the lids. Side frames having a predetermined height are pivotable about opposed sides of the hatch. A plurality of gear mechanisms is provided, with each mechanism comprising a first gear and a second gear in mesh with each other, a first shaft supporting the first gear, a second shaft supporting the second gear, the first and second shafts extending parallel to the opposed ends of the hatch, the first gears being secured to lower ends of the lids, and counterweights mounted to one of the second shafts. The safety fence is set up by erecting the lids and the side frames. A plurality of brackets each having a pair of bracket portions secured to the inner wall of the hatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignees: Anandenki Co., Ltd., The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Kenichi Yamada, Yukio Nakaya, Hiroto Nakagawa, Mituru Hori
  • Patent number: 6023890
    Abstract: Test chamber for motor vehicle engines comprising at least a thermally insulated floor (17) and an antiseismic supporting base (16, 116). The thermally insulated floor (17) cooperating with a covering system (20) which can be moved from an open position to a closed position. The covering system (20) in the closed position defining an inner working area (21), closed and at least thermally insulated to house at least a test bench for the engine (11). The engine (11) being functionally connected to a braking means (14). The covering system (20) being attached to a cantilevered lifting system (39). The cantilever lifting system (39) comprising lifting and guide means (23) anchored between at least a lifting column (37) located on the ground and arranged at the side of the thermally insulated floor (17) and a lateral extension cooperating with the upper part of the covering system (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Angelantoni Industrie SpA
    Inventor: Mauro Zenobi
  • Patent number: 6018915
    Abstract: A wall panel assembly includes a track upon which a wall panel can travel for guiding movement of the wall panel, at least one moveable panel entrained on the track for movement thereon between a privacy position wherein information is hidden by or hidden on the moveable panel and a non-privacy position wherein the information is exposed and a locking mechanism for locking the moveable wall panel in either of the positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: PCI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Pomish, Terry Neff
  • Patent number: 6003275
    Abstract: A furniture system is particularly adapted to support group activities in open plans, and the like. A plurality of columns support an overhead framework on the floor of a building in a freestanding fashion at a predetermined elevation, generally above average user height. A plurality of individual panels are provided, wherein each panel is constructed to permit easy, manual, bodily translation of the same by an adult user. A hanger arrangement is associated with the overhead framework, and cooperates with connectors on the panels to detachably suspend the panels at various locations along the overhead framework. The panels are manually reconfigurable between many different arrangements to efficiently and effectively support different group activities. Preferably, the panels are capable of providing a partitioning function to visually divide at least a portion of the workspace, and/or a display function to facilitate group communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Cornell, Robert J. Luchetti, Gregg R. Draudt, Kurt S. Bodden, Linda K. Zimmer
  • Patent number: 5983575
    Abstract: A retractable dome stadium having a plurality of generally lune-shaped panels mounted for movement between an open position in which they are stacked one above the other in a superimposed relationship and a closed position in which they are disposed in a generally side-by-side relationship. In the open position, the dome has a low and open view in one end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: George S. Reppas
  • Patent number: 5979116
    Abstract: A floor apparatus (1) comprises a support base (8) and a passage base (10), each being rotatable about axes (11, 12) of rotation respectively, the support base (8) having a seat surface (13) mounted with seats (7) and a first selective surface (14), the passage base (10) having a passage surface (16) and a second selective surface (15), and a rotating device (5) for rotating the support base (8) and the passage base (10) about the axes (11, 12) of rotation respectively. The first selective surface (14) or the second selective surface (15) is selected and used depending upon events, thereby improving versatility of a floor surface in accordance with the events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Hitachi Zosen Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Myoga
  • Patent number: 5979121
    Abstract: A wind resistant habitable dwelling which includes the fuselage of an aircraft rotatably mounted on a support column. The tail fin of the fuselage is retained to allow the dwelling to pivot about the support column and point into the direction of the prevailing wind. The fuselage of the aircraft has points along its undercarriage support framework for attachment of a rotatable support column, which is cylindrical in shape. The support column includes a bearing assembly and a gearing system. The bearing assembly defines a single axis of rotation that is perpendicular to a level ground surface, so that the fuselage is capable of pivoting about the support column within a plane parallel to the level ground surface. The gearing system, which is also attached to the fuselage of the aircraft, is driven by motors and is capable of being further controlled by both dampening and braking assemblies housed in the support column. Access to the support column is provided by a ground level hatchway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas Bennington
  • Patent number: 5966879
    Abstract: The privacy screen provides a simple, effective solution to provide visual privacy for the traditional open workstations of office panelling systems. The privacy screen can easily be retrofitted to existing systems without the need for specialized panels or overhead mounting structure at an opening threshold. The privacy screen is mounted to overlap with a face of a panel adjacent a panel and extend there beyond to close the entryway to the workstation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Teknion Furniture Systems
    Inventors: Steve Verbeek, Lorie Marangoni, Harry Ayvazyan
  • Patent number: 5964065
    Abstract: Advanced vehicle-transportable field emergency medical systems comprising surgical suites deployable from core modules, each expanding to form an enclosed surgical or treatment room with perimeter tenting spaces, supplies and equipment. Two system versions are disclosed, each containing operating rooms, post operative beds, and a twenty plus bed triage capacity with unidirectional patient flow. The first surgical procedure can begin within one hour of delivery with a twenty patient cycle for twenty four hours. The surgical/treatment modules may also be deployed independently. Both system versions are transportable in a single C130 transport aircraft. Version AZ1 has smaller modules deployable by utility helicopter that include two operating suites, two post operative units, and also supply/communications and power units. Version AZ2 includes two modules each forming a combined surgical/post-operative unit, and also supply/communications and power units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: San Jose State University Foundation
    Inventors: Tomasz K. Migurski, Tai Y. Chung, Theekarat Lertphumpanya, Stefano A. Moris, Brian D. Perry, David C. Windham
  • Patent number: 5950373
    Abstract: A transportable structure kit which is readily transportable within a container. The container has exterior container panel sections adapted to attach together to form a completely enclosed transportable container. A number of interior panel sections are placed within the enclosed transportable container. Lugs are placed on corners of the completely enclosed transportable container to allow the container to be lifted and moved. The exterior container panel sections detachably attached together to form the enclosed transportable container in a transportation mode. The exterior panel sections not used to form the floor, namely are used to form a second story floor of the assembled structure. The transportable structure kit further includes telescoping footing sections to permanently yet adjustable adjust the height of the floor relative to a foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Oakwood Homes Corporation
    Inventors: Christiane von Hoff, John C. Dingemanse
  • Patent number: 5941024
    Abstract: A floor hatch with a built-in security fence is described, where access to the understructure can only be provided wherein a pair of doors are pivoted outwardly to an open position and secured, forming two opposite sides of the security fence; a first gate is pivoted outwardly to an open position and secured to each of the doors, forming the rear of the security fence and a second gate, leaving a pivoting door, is pivoted outwardly and secured to each of the doors forming the front of the security fence. The pivoting door of the second gate pivots outwardly to permit access to the opening in the floor. The floor hatch may also include a security grate and telescoping extension on each of the doors. The floor hatch can be locked in the closed position and can be opened, automatically forming a security fence, to permit access to an understructure of a floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Journault-Jourplex Inc.
    Inventor: Jules Journault
  • Patent number: 5941027
    Abstract: A deck structure is assembled of a plurality of modular panels including one or more hinged, openable access panels. The panels, comprised of extruded deck planks and framing channels are interconnected at edges. At each access panel a gear hinge connects the panel with the adjacent fixed panel, through the width of the panels. Hinge gears are integrally formed on edges of a hinged plank and a fixed plank of the adjacent hinged and fixed panels, with a keeper member holding the gears enmeshed during opening and closing of the panel. In a preferred embodiment a gas tight seal is formed when the access panel is closed. The gear hinge comprising the hinged and fixed planks is the same width as other planks in the deck structure thereby allowing interchangeability and modularity in building the deck structure and allowing the hinge to be placed anywhere in the deck structure. An articulated, sliding cover using similar gear hinge components is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Hallsten Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Hallsten
  • Patent number: 5938566
    Abstract: An improved modular construction for children to play.Such comprises modular corner parts (1) including extensions (2) and (3) that form guides for sliding and retaining the edges (4) of modular parts (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) and (10) to form right-angled connections and make up prismatic structures, such parts having a relief imitating dressed stone and an embattled profile (12) that make them appear as a mediaeval castle. The said parts have window (14) and door (13) spaces for the child to gain access into the structure, and raised platforms (34) leading to the outside through a slide (31).The invention is useful for forming modular constructions designed for children to play, and are mounted without the assistance of means other than those built in the actual parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Jose M. Rodriguez-Ferre
  • Patent number: 5918422
    Abstract: A vertically sliding adjustable office panel system that allows each panel to change height individually or in unison by virture of a panel within a panel sliding assembly. The panels are connected side by side to form office cubicles. The space dividing system adjusts vertically by inserting or removing connectors. This system allows a closed office cubicle system to become a partially or completely open workstation by raising or lowering any or all of the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Robert Joseph Bucher, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5916096
    Abstract: A portable care facility includes at least one container defining a generally box-shaped configuration in a closed condition. The container is sized for transport and shipping and is constructed and arranged to be openable and expandable from the box-shaped configuration into a larger, operative configuration defining a space sufficient to conduct certain procedures therein. Tenting structure is provided in the container and is sized and configured to be supported over the space to define a ceiling over the space and to extend in at least one direction generally outwardly from the space to define a covered triage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventors: William P. Wiesmann, Charles L. Linden, Jr., Louis M. Guzzi
  • Patent number: 5904003
    Abstract: The stadium with retractable cover includes a peripheral wall defining an open top and a top peripheral edge. At least one floatation device is included which is adapted to rise in air. Next provided is at least one canopy mounted to the floatation device. At least one retraction assembly is adapted for selectively transferring the canopy between a closed orientation for closing the open top of the peripheral wall and an open orientation for exposing the open top of the peripheral wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventor: John W. Stephen
  • Patent number: 5901505
    Abstract: The choral riser of the present invention is adapted to be supported on a stage surface. The choral riser has a base that presents two spaced apart base supports, each of the base support having a first and a second spaced apart pivot point. A first step member has a step pivot point and a base pivot point that is operably pivotally coupled at the base pivot point to the base at the base first pivot point and has at least one step presented thereon. A second step member has a step pivot point and a link pivot point that is operably pivotally coupled at the step pivot point to the first step member at the first step member step pivot point and has a plurality of steps presented thereon. A bar link member is operably pivotally coupled at a first end pivot point to the second step member bar link pivot point. The bar link member is operably pivotally coupled at a second end pivot point to the base second pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Wenger Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Dettmann, Mark E. Gallea, David R. Boeddeker, Leslie R. Abraham
  • Patent number: 5873205
    Abstract: A moveable panel is described for providing privacy for a person in a work station or other location behind an arrangement of one or more stationary panels. The privacy panel is suspended from a pair of linear bearings which ride along a horizontal carrier rod mounted to the top edge of the stationary panel by a pair of hanging brackets. The linear bearings are attached to the privacy panel near its trailing edge so that the privacy panel can be moved to close an entryway adjacent the stationary panel. The entire assembly is preferably made of lightweight materials and can be easily mounted onto an existing stationary panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Advantage Office Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Jerry C. Hanlon, Everett T. Bahre, Terrance G. Kissinger
  • Patent number: 5848507
    Abstract: A railroad bungalow having a roof, a floor and adjoining walls forming vertically extending corners. An elongated guide sleeve is mounted on the exterior surface of each corner forming a guide slot. A support leg in the shape of an angle iron is movably mounted in each guide slot. The legs are provided with spaced openings and corresponding openings are provided in the sleeve and wall so that a pin or bolt can be inserted to hold the leg at a selected position to adjust the height of the bungalow above a supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Malton Equipment Company
    Inventor: Robert A. Bozich
  • Patent number: 5797224
    Abstract: This invention is a prefabricated expandable architecture including a plurality of structural segments collapsible and nested together in a first configuration encompassing a first volume and expandable or extendible in a second configuration and rigidly coupled together to form a selected shape encompassing a second larger volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: Ray R. Gunthardt
  • Patent number: 5794389
    Abstract: A sheltering form of encapsulation with a mechanism to place the house into safety and means of covering, during the threat of destruction by a violent wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Erwin L. Vysma
  • Patent number: 5791094
    Abstract: The size of a walled ball-court's playing area is changed by moving a wall into and out of one side thereof (e.g., the end of an elongate court). The wall moves on wheels rolling in horizontal tracks inset into the floor of the court. The movable wall is mounted on one end of a frame extending outwards from the ball-court, and the weight of the wall is balanced with counterweights so that the wall does not tip when moved. A mechanical drive, which may be manually powered by a single operator, applies horizontal forces to the wall in order to move it back and forth along the tracks. In a preferred embodiment, two sets of wheels, spaced out along the movable wall, are used. In this configuration the spacing between the two sets of wheels is adjustable to allow an installer to select an optimal spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Diverse Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary G. Thomson
  • Patent number: 5784837
    Abstract: A portable and collapsible deck suited for use at the entrance of a house trailer or mobile home includes a floor formed from wood or metal. The floor has opposed longitudinally extending side edges and opposed laterally extending front and rear edges. The deck also includes at least one movable wall with an edge at the level of the floor that is connected to one of the side edges of the floor. Each wall is movable between a vertical collapsed position extending upwardly from a side edge of the floor when the deck is being transported and a horizontal deployed position extending laterally from the floor. The deck includes a framework supporting the floor of the deck and the framework includes ground-engaging wheels mounted for rotation at the bottom of the framework. A coupling at the front of the deck to facilitates connecting the deck to a towing vehicle such as a truck for moving the deck from one location to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventors: Darrel J. Klein, Darin D. Klein
  • Patent number: 5778603
    Abstract: A retractable dome stadium having a plurality of generally lune-shaped panels mounted for movement between an open position in which they are stacked one above the other in a superimposed relationship and a closed position in which they are disposed in a generally side-by-side relationship. In the open position, the dome has a low and open view in one end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: George S. Reppas
  • Patent number: 5778604
    Abstract: A storage shed of a height less than that of an adult person, and which is accessed through a front door or ramp, when the roof portions are in an open supported position. The shed is intended for use in locations where local regulations prevent the placement of buildings that exceed the height of a residential fence. The superstructure of the shed; namely, the walls and roof portion(s) is formed of metal frame members which are covered over with a plywood or vinyl siding. The roof covering may be corrugated galvanized sheeting, or wood optionally covered by shingles as well as transparent or translucent plastic. The roof may be opened and closed by the operation of a series of water operated or electrically operated rams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Guy B. Snow